U.S. patent application number 16/003379 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for apparatus movement system, apparatus, apparatus movement control method, storage medium having stored therein apparatus movement control program, and cardboard member.
The applicant listed for this patent is NINTENDO CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yoko FUKUDA, Kenji IWATA, Shinichi KASUNO, Kazuhiko KORIYAMA, Akio TERUI, Hitoshi TSUCHIYA.
Application Number | 20190001233 16/003379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62563052 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190001233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TERUI; Akio ; et
al. |
January 3, 2019 |
APPARATUS MOVEMENT SYSTEM, APPARATUS, APPARATUS MOVEMENT CONTROL
METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM HAVING STORED THEREIN APPARATUS MOVEMENT
CONTROL PROGRAM, AND CARDBOARD MEMBER
Abstract
A first grounded portion is at least one of portions of an
apparatus that are grounded, and vibrates in accordance with a
vibration of at least a first vibration unit. A second grounded
portion is at least one of the portions of the apparatus that are
grounded, and vibrates in accordance with a vibration of at least a
second vibration unit. Then, a first control signal for controlling
the vibration of the first vibration unit and a second control
signal for controlling the vibration of the second vibration unit
are generated, whereby, in a state where the apparatus is on a
certain surface, the apparatus moves on the certain surface by a
vibration of the first grounded portion grounded on the certain
surface and/or a vibration of the second grounded portion grounded
on the certain surface.
Inventors: |
TERUI; Akio; (Kyoto, JP)
; FUKUDA; Yoko; (Kyoto, JP) ; IWATA; Kenji;
(Kyoto, JP) ; KASUNO; Shinichi; (Kyoto, JP)
; TSUCHIYA; Hitoshi; (Kyoto, JP) ; KORIYAMA;
Kazuhiko; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NINTENDO CO., LTD. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
62563052 |
Appl. No.: |
16/003379 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/24 20140902;
A63H 11/02 20130101; A63F 13/98 20140902; A63F 2300/1043 20130101;
A63H 30/04 20130101; A63F 2300/206 20130101; A63F 13/285 20140902;
A63H 18/007 20130101; A63F 13/23 20140902; A63F 13/95 20140902;
A63F 13/2145 20140902; A63F 13/92 20140902; A63H 33/16 20130101;
A63F 2300/204 20130101; A63F 2300/1075 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 18/00 20060101
A63H018/00; A63F 13/23 20060101 A63F013/23; A63F 13/92 20060101
A63F013/92; A63F 13/2145 20060101 A63F013/2145; A63F 13/95 20060101
A63F013/95; A63F 13/24 20060101 A63F013/24; A63F 13/285 20060101
A63F013/285 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2017 |
JP |
2017-126279 |
Claims
1. An apparatus movement system for controlling a movement of an
apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first vibration unit; a
second vibration unit a certain distance away from the first
vibration unit; a first grounded portion which is at least one of
portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and is configured to
vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least the first
vibration unit; and a second grounded portion which is one of the
portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and is configured to
vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least the second
vibration unit, the apparatus movement system comprising a computer
configured to generate a first control signal for controlling the
vibration of the first vibration unit and a second control signal
for controlling the vibration of the second vibration unit, wherein
in a state where the apparatus is on a certain surface, the
apparatus moves on the certain surface by the vibration of the
first grounded portion grounded on the certain surface and/or the
vibration of the second grounded portion grounded on the certain
surface.
2. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
first vibration unit is on a left side of the apparatus with
respect to a moving direction of the apparatus, and the second
vibration unit is on a right side of the apparatus with respect to
the moving direction of the apparatus.
3. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
first grounded portion is on a left side of the apparatus with
respect to a moving direction of the apparatus, and the second
grounded portion is on a right side of the apparatus with respect
to the moving direction of the apparatus.
4. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
first grounded portion vibrates more strongly by the vibration of
the first vibration unit than by the vibration of the second
vibration unit, and the second grounded portion vibrates more
strongly by the vibration of the second vibration unit than by the
vibration of the first vibration unit.
5. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
apparatus comprises: a main body; a first housing comprising the
first vibration unit; and a second housing comprising the second
vibration unit, and the main body comprises: a first engagement
portion configured to be detachably engaged with the first housing;
and a second engagement portion configured to be detachably engaged
with the second housing.
6. The apparatus movement system according to claim 5, wherein the
first engagement portion comprises a first fitting portion
configured to fit at least a part of the first housing, and the
second engagement portion comprises a second fitting portion
configured to fit at least a part of the second housing.
7. The apparatus movement system according to claim 6, wherein the
first fitting portion is formed so as to fit at least a part of the
first housing near a place where the first vibration unit is
installed in the first housing, and the second fitting portion is
formed so as to fit at least a part of the second housing near a
place where the second vibration unit is installed in the second
housing.
8. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, further
comprising a control apparatus separate from the apparatus and
comprising the computer configured to generate the control signal,
wherein the computer of the control apparatus further transmits the
first control signal and the second control signal generated in the
generation of the control signal to the apparatus.
9. The apparatus movement system according to claim 8, wherein the
control apparatus further comprises an operation unit configured to
be operated by a user, and in the generation of the control signal,
the control apparatus generates the first control signal and the
second control signal based on an operation on the operation
unit.
10. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein in
the generation of the control signal, based on a content of a user
operation, frequencies at which the first vibration unit and/or the
second vibration unit vibrate are set, and the first control signal
and/or the second control signal are generated.
11. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
apparatus further comprises an image capturing unit configured to
capture a portion around the apparatus, and in the generation of
the control signal, based on a captured image captured by the image
capturing unit, the first control signal and the second control
signal are generated.
12. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
first grounded portion has at least three portions of the apparatus
that are grounded, and the second grounded portion has at least
three portions of the apparatus that are grounded.
13. The apparatus movement system according to claim 1, wherein the
computer further detects an orientation of the apparatus, and based
on a detection result of the orientation, the computer estimates a
situation where the apparatus moves.
14. The apparatus movement system according to claim 5, wherein the
main body is formed by folding at least one cardboard.
15. An apparatus comprising: a first vibration unit configured to
vibrate in accordance with a first control signal; a second
vibration unit a certain distance away from the first vibration
unit and configured to vibrate in accordance with a second control
signal different from the first control signal; a first grounded
portion which is at least one of portions that are grounded, and is
configured to vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least
the first vibration unit; and a second grounded portion which is
one of the portions that are grounded, and is configured to vibrate
in accordance with a vibration of at least the second vibration
unit, wherein in a state where the apparatus is on a certain
surface, the apparatus moves on the certain surface by the
vibration of the first grounded portion grounded on the certain
surface and/or the vibration of the second grounded portion
grounded on the certain surface.
16. An apparatus movement control method for controlling a movement
of an apparatus comprising a first vibration unit and a second
vibration unit a certain distance away from the first vibration
unit, the apparatus movement control method comprising: generating
a first control signal for controlling a vibration of the first
vibration unit; generating a second control signal for controlling
a vibration of the second vibration unit; vibrating at least the
first vibration unit, thereby vibrating a first grounded portion
which is at least one of portions of the apparatus that are
grounded; vibrating at least the second vibration unit, thereby
vibrating a second grounded portion which is at least one of the
portions of the apparatus that are grounded; and in a state where
the apparatus is on a certain surface, vibrating the first grounded
portion and/or the second grounded portion grounded on the certain
surface, thereby moving the apparatus on the certain surface.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored
therein an apparatus movement control program executed by a
computer included in a control apparatus for controlling a movement
of an apparatus comprising a first vibration unit, a second
vibration unit a certain distance away from the first vibration
unit, and an image capturing unit configured to capture a portion
around the apparatus, the apparatus movement control program
causing the computer to execute: generating a first control signal
for controlling a vibration of the first vibration unit, thereby
vibrating at least the first vibration unit, thereby vibrating a
first grounded portion which is at least one of portions of the
apparatus that are grounded, thereby moving the apparatus on a
certain surface; and generating a second control signal for
controlling a vibration of the second vibration unit, thereby
vibrating at least the second vibration unit, thereby vibrating a
second grounded portion which is at least one of the portions of
the apparatus that are grounded, thereby moving the apparatus on
the certain surface, wherein in the generation of the first control
signal, based on a captured image captured by the image capturing
unit, the first control signal is generated, and in the generation
of the second control signal, based on a captured image captured by
the image capturing unit, the second control signal is
generated.
18. A cardboard member configured to form an apparatus to and from
which a first game controller comprising a first vibration unit and
a second game controller comprising a second vibration unit are
attached and detached, the apparatus comprising: a first engagement
portion with which the first game controller is detachably engaged
by fitting at least a part of the first game controller; a second
engagement portion with which the second game controller is
detachably engaged by fitting at least a part of the second game
controller; a first grounded portion which is at least one of
portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and is configured to
vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least the first
vibration unit of the first game controller attached to the first
engagement portion; and a second grounded portion which is at least
one of the portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and is
configured to vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least
the second vibration unit of the second game controller attached to
the second engagement portion, wherein the cardboard member is
folded, thereby integrally forming the apparatus comprising the
first engagement portion, the second engagement portion, the first
grounded portion, and the second grounded portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2017-126279, filed on Jun. 28, 2017, is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The technology shown here relates to an apparatus for moving
by a vibration, relates to an apparatus movement system, an
apparatus movement control method, and a storage medium having
stored therein an apparatus movement control program for moving the
apparatus, and relates to a cardboard member capable of forming the
main body of the apparatus.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] Conventionally, there is a toy that moves by imparting a
vibration to the toy. For example, the toy moves by a thrust force
due to a vibration generated by a piezoelectric element provided
within the toy.
[0004] The toy, however, merely moves in a moving direction set in
advance, and there is room for improvement in the variety of
movements using vibrations.
[0005] Therefore, it is an object of an exemplary embodiment to
provide an apparatus movement system, an apparatus, an apparatus
movement control method, a storage medium having stored therein an
apparatus movement control program, and a cardboard member that are
capable of improving the variety of movements using vibrations.
[0006] To achieve the above object, the exemplary embodiment can
employ, for example, the following configurations. It should be
noted that it is understood that, to interpret the descriptions of
the claims, the scope of the claims should be interpreted only by
the descriptions of the claims. If there is a conflict between the
descriptions of the claims and the descriptions of the
specification, the descriptions of the claims take precedence.
[0007] In an exemplary configuration of an apparatus movement
system according to the exemplary embodiment, an apparatus movement
system controls a movement of an apparatus. The apparatus comprises
a first vibration unit, a second vibration unit, a first grounded
portion, and a second grounded portion. The second vibration unit
is a certain distance away from the first vibration unit. A first
grounded portion is at least one of portions of the apparatus that
are grounded, and is configured to vibrate in accordance with a
vibration of at least the first vibration unit. A second grounded
portion is one of the portions of the apparatus that are grounded,
and is configured to vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at
least the second vibration unit. The apparatus movement system
comprises a computer configured to generate a first control signal
for controlling the vibration of the first vibration unit and a
second control signal for controlling the vibration of the second
vibration unit. In a state where the apparatus is on a certain
surface, the apparatus moves on the certain surface by the
vibration of the first grounded portion grounded on the certain
surface and/or the vibration of the second grounded portion
grounded on the certain surface.
[0008] Based on the above, vibrations are imparted to an apparatus,
whereby it is possible to move the apparatus on a certain surface
in real space. Two independent vibrations to be imparted to the
apparatus are controlled, whereby it is possible to vary movements
due to vibrations.
[0009] Further, the first vibration unit may be on a left side of
the apparatus with respect to a moving direction of the apparatus.
The second vibration unit may be on a right side of the apparatus
with respect to the moving direction of the apparatus.
[0010] Based on the above, vibration sections are attached to the
left and right with respect to a moving direction of the apparatus.
Thus, it is possible to stably move the apparatus.
[0011] Further, the first grounded portion may be on a left side of
the apparatus with respect to a moving direction of the apparatus.
The second grounded portion may be on a right side of the apparatus
with respect to the moving direction of the apparatus.
[0012] Based on the above, grounded portions are provided on the
same sides as vibration sections attached to the left and right
with respect to a moving direction. Thus, it is easy to transmit a
vibration to each of the grounded portions.
[0013] Further, the first grounded portion may vibrate more
strongly by the vibration of the first vibration unit than by the
vibration of the second vibration unit. The second grounded portion
may vibrate more strongly by the vibration of the second vibration
unit than by the vibration of the first vibration unit.
[0014] Based on the above, it is easy to control a vibration to be
transmitted to each of grounded portions.
[0015] Further, the apparatus may further comprise a main body, a
first housing, and a second housing. The first housing comprises
the first vibration unit. The second housing comprises the second
vibration unit. The main body comprises a first engagement portion
and a second engagement portion. The first engagement portion is
detachably engaged with the first housing. The second engagement
portion is detachably engaged with the second housing.
[0016] Based on the above, it is possible to configure the
apparatus in a form in which a vibration section included in a
housing is added to a main body portion of the apparatus for
use.
[0017] Further, the first engagement portion may comprise a first
fitting portion. The first fitting portion is configured to fit at
least a part of the first housing. The second engagement portion
may comprise a second fitting portion. The second fitting portion
is configured to fit at least a part of the second housing.
[0018] Based on the above, it is possible to certainly fix the
housing that includes the vibration section. Thus, it is possible
to efficiently transmit a vibration of the vibration section to the
main body portion.
[0019] Further, the first fitting portion may be formed so as to
fit at least a part of the first housing near a place where the
first vibration unit is installed in the first housing. The second
fitting portion may be formed so as to fit at least a part of the
second housing near a place where the second vibration unit is
installed in the second housing.
[0020] Based on the above, it is possible to efficiently transmit
the vibration of the vibration section to the main body
portion.
[0021] Further, the apparatus movement system may further comprise
a control apparatus. The control apparatus is separate from the
apparatus and comprises the computer configured to generate the
control signal. The computer of the control apparatus further
transmits the first control signal and the second control signal
generated in the generation of the control signal to the
apparatus.
[0022] Based on the above, it is possible to control a movement of
the apparatus using a separate control apparatus.
[0023] Further, the control apparatus may further comprise an
operation unit. The operation unit is configured to be operated by
a user. In the generation of the control signal, the control
apparatus may generate the first control signal and the second
control signal based on an operation on the operation unit.
[0024] Based on the above, it is possible to control the movement
of the apparatus by operating an operation section included in the
separate control apparatus.
[0025] Further, in the generation of the control signal, based on a
content of a user operation, frequencies at which the first
vibration unit and/or the second vibration unit vibrate are set,
and the first control signal and/or the second control signal may
be generated.
[0026] Based on the above, it is possible to adjust an optimal
vibration frequency for moving the apparatus.
[0027] Further, the apparatus may further comprise an image
capturing unit. The image capturing unit is configured to capture a
portion around the apparatus. In the generation of the control
signal, based on a captured image captured by the image capturing
unit, the first control signal and the second control signal may be
generated.
[0028] Based on the above, it is possible to automatically move the
apparatus using a captured image.
[0029] Further, the first grounded portion may have at least three
portions of the apparatus that are grounded. The second grounded
portion may have at least three portions of the apparatus that are
grounded.
[0030] Based on the above, it is easy to move the apparatus.
[0031] Further, the computer may further detect an orientation of
the apparatus. Based on a detection result of the orientation, the
computer estimates a situation where the apparatus moves.
[0032] Based on the above, it is possible to notify a user of an
abnormal orientation, for example, in a case where the apparatus
falls down.
[0033] Further, the main body may be formed by folding at least one
cardboard.
[0034] Based on the above, it is possible to assemble a main body
portion by folding a cardboard member.
[0035] Further, the apparatus movement system may be carried out in
the forms of an apparatus and an apparatus movement control
method.
[0036] Further, in an exemplary configuration of a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium having stored therein an apparatus
movement control program according to the exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus movement control program is executed by a computer
included in a control apparatus for controlling a movement of an
apparatus comprising a first vibration unit, a second vibration
unit a certain distance away from the first vibration unit, and an
image capturing unit configured to capture a portion around the
apparatus. The apparatus movement control program causes the
computer to execute: generating a first control signal for
controlling a vibration of the first vibration unit, thereby
vibrating at least the first vibration unit, thereby vibrating a
first grounded portion which is at least one of portions of the
apparatus that are grounded, thereby moving the apparatus on a
certain surface; and generating a second control signal for
controlling a vibration of the second vibration unit, thereby
vibrating at least the second vibration unit, thereby vibrating a
second grounded portion which is at least one of the portions of
the apparatus that are grounded, thereby moving the apparatus on
the certain surface. In the generation of the first control signal,
based on a captured image captured by the image capturing unit, the
first control signal is generated, In the generation of the second
control signal, based on a captured image captured by the image
capturing unit, the second control signal is generated.
[0037] Based on the above, vibrations are imparted to an apparatus,
whereby it is possible to move the apparatus on a certain surface
in real space. Two independent vibrations to be imparted to the
apparatus are controlled, whereby it is possible to vary movements
due to vibrations. Further, it is also possible to automatically
move the apparatus using a captured image captured by the
apparatus.
[0038] Further, in an exemplary configuration of a cardboard member
according to the exemplary embodiment, a cardboard member is
configured to form an apparatus to and from which a first game
controller comprising a first vibration unit and a second game
controller comprising a second vibration unit are attached and
detached. The apparatus comprises a first engagement portion, a
second engagement portion, a first grounded portion, and a second
grounded portion. With the first engagement portion, the first game
controller is detachably engaged by fitting at least a part of the
first game controller. With the second engagement portion, the
second game controller is detachably engaged by fitting at least a
part of the second game controller. The first grounded portion is
at least one of portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and is
configured to vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least
the first vibration unit of the first game controller attached to
the first engagement portion. The second grounded portion is at
least one of the portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and
is configured to vibrate in accordance with a vibration of at least
the second vibration unit of the second game controller attached to
the second engagement portion. The cardboard member is folded,
thereby integrally forming the apparatus comprising the first
engagement portion, the second engagement portion, the first
grounded portion, and the second grounded portion.
[0039] Based on the above, a cardboard member is folded, whereby it
is possible to configure an apparatus for moving in real space, by
attaching a first game controller and a second game controller to
the apparatus.
[0040] According to the exemplary embodiment, vibrations to be
imparted to an apparatus are controlled, whereby it is possible to
vary movements due to vibrations.
[0041] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the
state where a left controller 3 and a right controller 4 are
attached to a main body apparatus 2;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the
state where each of the left controller 3 and the right controller
4 is detached from the main body apparatus 2;
[0044] FIG. 3 is six orthogonal views showing a non-limiting
example of the main body apparatus 2;
[0045] FIG. 4 is six orthogonal views showing a non-limiting
example of the left controller 3;
[0046] FIG. 5 is six orthogonal views showing a non-limiting
example of the right controller 4;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a non-limiting example of
the internal configuration of the main body apparatus 2;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing non-limiting examples of
the internal configurations of the main body apparatus 2, the left
controller 3, and the right controller 4;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the
state where a user operates the main body apparatus 2, thereby
moving a moving device 200 in real space;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a non-limiting example
of the external appearance of a moving object 201;
[0051] FIG. 10 is six orthogonal views showing a non-limiting
example of the external appearance of the moving object 201;
[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the
state where the left controller 3 is attached to the moving object
201;
[0053] FIG. 12 is a front view of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 as viewed in a negative y-axis direction,
showing a non-limiting example of the external appearance of the
moving device 200 to which the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 are attached;
[0054] FIG. 13 is a right side view showing a non-limiting example
of the external appearance of the moving device 200 to which the
left controller 3 is attached;
[0055] FIG. 14 is a left side view showing a non-limiting example
of the external appearance of the moving device 200 to which the
right controller 4 is attached;
[0056] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of a
cardboard member for assembling the moving object 201;
[0057] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the
state where the moving device 200 moves using a self-propelled
mode;
[0058] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of a
data area set in a DRAM 85 of the main body apparatus 2;
[0059] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a
control process executed by the main body apparatus 2; and
[0060] FIG. 19 is a subroutine showing a non-limiting example of a
self-propelled mode process in step S165 in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0061] An apparatus movement system according to an exemplary
embodiment is described below. A game system 1, which is an example
of the apparatus movement system according to the exemplary
embodiment, includes a main body apparatus (an information
processing apparatus; which functions as a game apparatus main body
in the exemplary embodiment) 2, and an apparatus (a moving device
200) to which a left controller 3 and a right controller 4 are
attached. Each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
is attachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus 2.
That is, the game system 1 can be used as a unified apparatus
obtained by attaching each of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2. Further, in the game
system 1, the main body apparatus 2, the left controller 3, and the
right controller 4 can also be used as separate bodies (see FIG.
2). Further, the moving device 200 in the game system 1 can be used
as a toy that moves by a vibration, by attaching controllers (e.g.,
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4) to the inside of
the moving device 200. Hereinafter, first, the hardware
configuration of the game system 1 according to the exemplary
embodiment is described, and then, the control of the game system 1
according to the exemplary embodiment is described.
[0062] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the state where
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to
the main body apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 is attached to and unified
with the main body apparatus 2. The main body apparatus 2 is an
apparatus for performing various processes (e.g., game processing)
in the game system 1. The main body apparatus 2 includes a display
12. Each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 is an
apparatus including operation sections with which a user provides
inputs. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, the
longitudinal direction of a main surface of the game system 1 is
referred to as a "horizontal direction" (also as a "left-right
direction"), the short direction of the main surface is referred to
as a "vertical direction" (also as an "up-down direction"), and a
direction perpendicular to the main surface is referred to as a
depth direction (also as a "front-back direction"). Further, to
facilitate the understanding of directions in the game system 1,
three axial (xyz axes) directions are defined for the game system
1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, in the game system 1, the
depth direction of the display 12 from a front surface, on which
the display 12 is provided, to a back surface is defined as a
positive z-axis direction. In the horizontal direction
perpendicular to the depth direction, the direction from the right
to left (the direction from the attachment position of the right
controller 4 to the attachment position of the left controller 3)
is defined as a positive x-axis direction. In the up-down direction
perpendicular to the depth direction and the horizontal direction,
the direction upward along the display 12 is defined as a positive
y-axis direction.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the state where
each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 is
detached from the main body apparatus 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attachable to
and detachable from the main body apparatus 2. It should be noted
that hereinafter, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
will occasionally be referred to collectively as a "controller".
Further, in the exemplary embodiment, two controllers (e.g., the
left controller 3 and the right controller 4) are attached to a
moving object 201 (i.e., a main body portion of the moving device
200), whereby, in accordance with the fact that the user performs
an operation using the main body apparatus 2, it is possible to
move in real space the moving object 201 to which the two
controllers are attached.
[0064] FIG. 3 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the
main body apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body apparatus
2 includes an approximately plate-shaped housing 11. In the
exemplary embodiment, a main surface (in other words, a surface on
a front side, i.e., a surface on which the display 12 is provided)
of the housing 11 has a generally rectangular shape.
[0065] It should be noted that the shape and the size of the
housing 11 are optional. As an example, the housing 11 may be of a
portable size. Further, the main body apparatus 2 alone or the
unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller 3 and
the right controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2 may function as
a mobile apparatus. The main body apparatus 2 or the unified
apparatus may function as a handheld apparatus or a portable
apparatus.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body apparatus 2 includes the
display 12, which is provided on the main surface of the housing
11. The display 12 displays an image generated by the main body
apparatus 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the display 12 is a
liquid crystal display device (LCD). The display 12, however, may
be a display device of any type.
[0067] Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes a touch panel 13
on a screen of the display 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the
touch panel 13 is of a type that allows a multi-touch input (e.g.,
a capacitive type). The touch panel 13, however, may be of any
type. For example, the touch panel 13 may be of a type that allows
a single-touch input (e.g., a resistive type).
[0068] The main body apparatus 2 includes speakers (i.e., speakers
88 shown in FIG. 6) within the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3,
speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed on the main surface of the
housing 11. Then, sounds output from the speakers 88 are output
through the speaker holes 11a and 11b.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body apparatus 2 includes a
left rail member 15 on the left side surface of the housing 11. The
left rail member 15 is a member for detachably attaching the left
controller 3 to the main body apparatus 2. The left rail member 15
is provided so as to extend along the up-down direction on the left
side surface of the housing 11. The left rail member 15 is shaped
so as to be engaged with a slider (i.e., a slider 40 shown in FIG.
4) of the left controller 3, and a slide mechanism is formed of the
left rail member 15 and the slider 40. With this slide mechanism,
it is possible to slidably and detachably attach the left
controller 3 to the main body apparatus 2. Further, the main body
apparatus 2 includes a left terminal 17, which is a terminal for
the main body apparatus 2 to perform wired communication with the
left controller 3 when the left controller 3 is attached to the
main body apparatus 2.
[0070] Further, on the right side surface of the housing 11,
components similar to the components provided on the left side
surface are provided. That is, the main body apparatus 2 includes a
right rail member 19 on the right side surface of the housing 11.
The right rail member 19 is provided so as to extend along the
up-down direction on the right side surface of the housing 11. The
right rail member 19 is shaped so as to be engaged with a slider
(i.e., a slider 62 shown in FIG. 5) of the right controller 4, and
a slide mechanism is formed of the right rail member 19 and the
slider 62. With this slide mechanism, it is possible to slidably
and detachably attach the right controller 4 to the main body
apparatus 2. Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes a right
terminal 21, which is a terminal for the main body apparatus 2 to
perform wired communication with the right controller 4 when the
right controller 4 is attached to the main body apparatus 2.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body apparatus 2 includes a
slot 23. The slot 23 is provided on an upper side surface of the
housing 11. The slot 23 is so shaped as to allow a predetermined
type of storage medium to be attached to the slot 23. The
predetermined type of storage medium is, for example, a dedicated
storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) for the game system
1 and an information processing apparatus of the same type as the
game system 1. The predetermined type of storage medium is used to
store, for example, data (e.g., saved data of an application or the
like) used by the main body apparatus 2 and/or a program (e.g., a
program for an application or the like) executed by the main body
apparatus 2. Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes a power
button 28.
[0072] The main body apparatus 2 includes a lower terminal 27. The
lower terminal 27 is a terminal for the main body apparatus 2 to
communicate with a cradle. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower
terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female
connector). Further, when the unified apparatus or the main body
apparatus 2 alone is mounted on the cradle, the game system 1 can
display on a stationary monitor an image generated by and output
from the main body apparatus 2. Further, in the exemplary
embodiment, the cradle has the function of charging the unified
apparatus or the main body apparatus 2 alone mounted on the cradle.
Further, the cradle has the function of a hub device (specifically,
a USB hub).
[0073] FIG. 4 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the
left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the left controller 3
includes a housing 31. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 31
has a vertically long shape, i.e., is shaped to be long in an
up-down direction (i.e., a y-axis direction shown in FIGS. 1 and
4). In the state where the left controller 3 is detached from the
main body apparatus 2, the left controller 3 can also be held in
the orientation in which the left controller 3 is vertically long.
The housing 31 has such a shape and a size that when held in the
orientation in which the housing 31 is vertically long, the housing
31 can be held with one hand, particularly the left hand. Further,
the left controller 3 can also be held in the orientation in which
the left controller 3 is horizontally long. When held in the
orientation in which the left controller 3 is horizontally long,
the left controller 3 may be held with both hands.
[0074] The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32. As shown
in FIG. 4, the analog stick 32 is provided on a main surface of the
housing 31. The analog stick 32 can be used as a direction input
section with which a direction can be input. The user tilts the
analog stick 32 and thereby can input a direction corresponding to
the direction of the tilt (and input a magnitude corresponding to
the angle of the tilt). It should be noted that the left controller
3 may include a directional pad, a slide stick that allows a slide
input, or the like as the direction input section, instead of the
analog stick. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, it is possible
to provide an input by pressing the analog stick 32.
[0075] The left controller 3 includes various operation buttons.
The left controller 3 includes four operation buttons 33 to 36
(specifically, a right direction button 33, a down direction button
34, an up direction button 35, and a left direction button 36) on
the main surface of the housing 31. Further, the left controller 3
includes a record button 37 and a "-" (minus) button 47. The left
controller 3 includes a first L-button 38 and a ZL-button 39 in an
upper left portion of a side surface of the housing 31. Further,
the left controller 3 includes a second L-button 43 and a second
R-button 44, on the side surface of the housing 31 on which the
left controller 3 is attached to the main body apparatus 2. These
operation buttons are used to give instructions depending on
various programs (e.g., an OS program and an application program)
executed by the main body apparatus 2.
[0076] The left controller 3 includes the slider 40 described
above. As shown in FIG. 4, the slider 40 is provided so as to
extend in the up-down direction on the right side surface of the
housing 31. The slider 40 is shaped so as to be engaged with the
left rail member 15 of the main body apparatus 2 (more
specifically, grooves in the left rail member 15). Thus, the slider
40 engaged with the left rail member 15 is fixed so as not to be
detached in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction (in
other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15
extends). Further, the left controller 3 includes a terminal 42 for
the left controller 3 to perform wired communication with the main
body apparatus 2 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main
body apparatus 2.
[0077] FIG. 5 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the
right controller 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the right controller 4
includes a housing 51. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 51
has a vertically long shape, i.e., is shaped to be long in the
up-down direction. In the state where the right controller 4 is
detached from the main body apparatus 2, the right controller 4 can
also be held in the orientation in which the right controller 4 is
vertically long. The housing 51 has such a shape and a size that
when held in the orientation in which the housing 51 is vertically
long, the housing 51 can be held with one hand, particularly the
right hand. Further, the right controller 4 can also be held in the
orientation in which the right controller 4 is horizontally long.
When held in the orientation in which the right controller 4 is
horizontally long, the right controller 4 may be held with both
hands.
[0078] Similarly to the left controller 3, the right controller 4
includes an analog stick 52 as a direction input section. In the
exemplary embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same
configuration as that of the analog stick 32 of the left controller
3. Further, the right controller 4 may include a directional pad, a
slide stick that allows a slide input, or the like, instead of the
analog stick. Further, similarly to the left controller 3, the
right controller 4 includes four operation buttons 53 to 56
(specifically, an A-button 53, a B-button 54, an X-button 55, and a
Y-button 56) on a main surface of the housing 51. Further, the
right controller 4 includes a "+" (plus) button 57 and a home
button 58. Further, the right controller 4 includes a first
R-button 60 and a ZR-button 61 in an upper right portion of a side
surface of the housing 51. Further, similarly to the left
controller 3, the right controller 4 includes a second L-button 65
and a second R-button 66.
[0079] Further, a window portion 68 is provided on a lower side
surface of the housing 51. Although the details will be described
later, the right controller 4 includes an infrared image capturing
section 123 and an infrared light-emitting section 124, which are
placed within the housing 51. The infrared image capturing section
123 captures a portion around the right controller 4 through the
window portion 68 such that a down direction of the right
controller 4 (a negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 5) is the
image capturing direction. The infrared light-emitting section 124
emits infrared light through the window portion 68 to an image
capturing target to be captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123 such that a predetermined range about the down
direction of the right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction
shown in FIG. 5) is the emission range. The window portion 68 is
used to protect a lens of a camera of the infrared image capturing
section 123, a light emitter of the infrared light-emitting section
124, and the like and composed of a material (e.g., a transparent
material) that transmits light of a wavelength sensed by the camera
and light emitted from the light emitter. It should be noted that
the window portion 68 may be a hole formed in the housing 51.
Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the infrared image capturing
section 123 itself includes a filter member for inhibiting the
transmission of light of a wavelength other than light sensed by
the camera (infrared light in the exemplary embodiment). In another
exemplary embodiment, the window portion 68 may have the function
of a filter.
[0080] The right controller 4 includes a slider mechanism similar
to that of the left controller 3. That is, the right controller 4
includes the slider 62 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the
slider 62 is provided so as to extend in the up-down direction on
the left side surface of the housing 51. The slider 62 is shaped so
as to be engaged with the right rail member 19 of the main body
apparatus 2 (more specifically, grooves in the right rail member
19). Thus, the slider 62 engaged with the right rail member 19 is
fixed so as not to be detached in a direction perpendicular to the
slide direction (in other words, the direction in which the right
rail member 19 extends). Further, the right controller 4 includes a
terminal 64 for the right controller 4 to perform wired
communication with the main body apparatus 2 when the right
controller 4 is attached to the main body apparatus 2.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal
configuration of the main body apparatus 2. The main body apparatus
2 includes components 81 to 91, 97, and 98 shown in FIG. 6 in
addition to the components shown in FIG. 3. Some of the components
81 to 91, 97, and 98 may be mounted as electronic components on an
electronic circuit board and accommodated in the housing 11.
[0082] The main body apparatus 2 includes a processor 81. The
processor 81 is an information processing section for executing
various types of information processing to be executed by the main
body apparatus 2. For example, the processor 81 may be composed
only of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be composed of a
SoC (System-on-a-chip) having a plurality of functions such as a
CPU function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The
processor 81 executes an information processing program (e.g., a
game program) stored in a storage section (specifically, an
internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84, an external
storage medium attached to the slot 23, or the like), thereby
performing the various types of information processing.
[0083] The main body apparatus 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as examples of internal
storage media built into the main body apparatus 2. The flash
memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the processor 81. The
flash memory 84 is a memory mainly used to store various data (or
programs) to be saved in the main body apparatus 2. The DRAM 85 is
a memory used to temporarily store various data used for
information processing.
[0084] The main body apparatus 2 includes a slot interface
(hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F") 91. The slot I/F 91 is connected
to the processor 81. The slot I/F 91 is connected to the slot 23,
and in accordance with an instruction from the processor 81, reads
and writes data from and to the predetermined type of storage
medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) attached to the slot 23.
[0085] The processor 81 appropriately reads and writes data from
and to the flash memory 84, the DRAM 85, and each of the above
storage media, thereby performing the above information
processing.
[0086] The main body apparatus 2 includes a network communication
section 82. The network communication section 82 is connected to
the processor 81. The network communication section 82 communicates
(specifically, through wireless communication) with an external
apparatus via a network. In the exemplary embodiment, as a first
communication form, the network communication section 82 connects
to a wireless LAN and communicates with an external apparatus,
using a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. Further, as a
second communication form, the network communication section 82
wirelessly communicates with another main body apparatus 2 of the
same type, using a predetermined communication method (e.g.,
communication based on a unique protocol or infrared light
communication). It should be noted that the wireless communication
in the above second communication form achieves the function of
enabling so-called "local communication" in which the main body
apparatus 2 can wirelessly communicate with another main body
apparatus 2 placed in a closed local network area, and the
plurality of main body apparatuses 2 directly communicate with each
other to transmit and receive data.
[0087] The main body apparatus 2 includes a controller
communication section 83. The controller communication section 83
is connected to the processor 81. The controller communication
section 83 wirelessly communicates with the left controller 3
and/or the right controller 4. The communication method between the
main body apparatus 2 and the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 is optional. In the exemplary embodiment, the
controller communication section 83 performs communication
compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard with
the left controller 3 and with the right controller 4.
[0088] The processor 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, the
right terminal 21, and the lower terminal 27. When performing wired
communication with the left controller 3, the processor 81
transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17
and also receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the
left terminal 17. Further, when performing wired communication with
the right controller 4, the processor 81 transmits data to the
right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and also receives
operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal
21. Further, when communicating with the cradle, the processor 81
transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27. As
described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the main body
apparatus 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless
communication with each of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4. Further, when the unified apparatus obtained by
attaching the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the
main body apparatus 2 or the main body apparatus 2 alone is
attached to the cradle, the main body apparatus 2 can output data
(e.g., image data or sound data) to the stationary monitor or the
like via the cradle.
[0089] Here, the main body apparatus 2 can communicate with a
plurality of left controllers 3 simultaneously (in other words, in
parallel). Further, the main body apparatus 2 can communicate with
a plurality of right controllers 4 simultaneously (in other words,
in parallel). Thus, a plurality of users can simultaneously provide
inputs to the main body apparatus 2, each using a set of the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4. As an example, a first
user can provide an input to the main body apparatus 2 using a
first set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, and
simultaneously, a second user can provide an input to the main body
apparatus 2 using a second set of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4.
[0090] The main body apparatus 2 includes a touch panel controller
86, which is a circuit for controlling the touch panel 13. The
touch panel controller 86 is connected between the touch panel 13
and the processor 81. Based on a signal from the touch panel 13,
the touch panel controller 86 generates, for example, data
indicating the position where a touch input is provided. Then, the
touch panel controller 86 outputs the data to the processor 81.
[0091] Further, the display 12 is connected to the processor 81.
The processor 81 displays a generated image (e.g., an image
generated by executing the above information processing) and/or an
externally acquired image on the display 12.
[0092] The main body apparatus 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and
speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The
codec circuit 87 is connected to the speakers 88 and a sound
input/output terminal 25 and also connected to the processor 81.
The codec circuit 87 is a circuit for controlling the input and
output of sound data to and from the speakers 88 and the sound
input/output terminal 25.
[0093] Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes an acceleration
sensor 89. In the exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89
detects the magnitudes of accelerations along predetermined three
axial (e.g., xyz axes shown in FIG. 1) directions. It should be
noted that the acceleration sensor 89 may detect an acceleration
along one axial direction or accelerations along two axial
directions.
[0094] Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes an angular
velocity sensor 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the angular
velocity sensor 90 detects angular velocities about predetermined
three axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1). It should be noted
that the angular velocity sensor 90 may detect an angular velocity
about one axis or angular velocities about two axes.
[0095] The acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor
90 are connected to the processor 81, and the detection results of
the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are
output to the processor 81. Based on the detection results of the
acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90, the
processor 81 can calculate information regarding the motion and/or
the orientation of the main body apparatus 2.
[0096] The main body apparatus 2 includes a power control section
97 and a battery 98. The power control section 97 is connected to
the battery 98 and the processor 81. Further, although not shown in
FIG. 6, the power control section 97 is connected to components of
the main body apparatus 2 (specifically, components that receive
power supplied from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the
right terminal 21). Based on a command from the processor 81, the
power control section 97 controls the supply of power from the
battery 98 to the above components.
[0097] Further, the battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal
27. When an external charging device (e.g., the cradle) is
connected to the lower terminal 27, and power is supplied to the
main body apparatus 2 via the lower terminal 27, the battery 98 is
charged with the supplied power.
[0098] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing examples of the internal
configurations of the main body apparatus 2, the left controller 3,
and the right controller 4. It should be noted that the details of
the internal configuration of the main body apparatus 2 are shown
in FIG. 6 and therefore are omitted in FIG. 7.
[0099] The left controller 3 includes a communication control
section 101, which communicates with the main body apparatus 2. As
shown in FIG. 7, the communication control section 101 is connected
to components including the terminal 42. In the exemplary
embodiment, the communication control section 101 can communicate
with the main body apparatus 2 through both wired communication via
the terminal 42 and wireless communication not via the terminal 42.
The communication control section 101 controls the method for
communication performed by the left controller 3 with the main body
apparatus 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the
main body apparatus 2, the communication control section 101
communicates with the main body apparatus 2 via the terminal 42.
Further, when the left controller 3 is detached from the main body
apparatus 2, the communication control section 101 wirelessly
communicates with the main body apparatus 2 (specifically, the
controller communication section 83). The wireless communication
between the communication control section 101 and the controller
communication section 83 is performed in accordance with the
Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.
[0100] Further, the left controller 3 includes a memory 102 such as
a flash memory. The communication control section 101 includes, for
example, a microcomputer (or a microprocessor) and executes
firmware stored in the memory 102, thereby performing various
processes.
[0101] The left controller 3 includes buttons 103 (specifically,
the buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, and 47). Further, the left controller
3 includes the analog stick ("stick" in FIG. 7) 32. Each of the
buttons 103 and the analog stick 32 outputs information regarding
an operation performed on itself to the communication control
section 101 repeatedly at appropriate timing.
[0102] The left controller 3 includes inertial sensors.
Specifically, the left controller 3 includes an acceleration sensor
104. Further, the left controller 3 includes an angular velocity
sensor 105. In the exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor
104 detects the magnitudes of accelerations along predetermined
three axial (e.g., xyz axes shown in FIG. 4) directions. It should
be noted that the acceleration sensor 104 may detect an
acceleration along one axial direction or accelerations along two
axial directions. In the exemplary embodiment, the angular velocity
sensor 105 detects angular velocities about predetermined three
axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 4). It should be noted that
the angular velocity sensor 105 may detect an angular velocity
about one axis or angular velocities about two axes. Each of the
acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 is
connected to the communication control section 101. Then, the
detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular
velocity sensor 105 are output to the communication control section
101 repeatedly at appropriate timing.
[0103] The communication control section 101 acquires information
regarding an input (specifically, information regarding an
operation or the detection result of the sensor) from each of input
sections (specifically, the buttons 103, the analog stick 32, and
the sensors 104 and 105). The communication control section 101
transmits operation data including the acquired information (or
information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the
acquired information) to the main body apparatus 2. It should be
noted that the operation data is transmitted repeatedly, once every
predetermined time. It should be noted that the interval at which
the information regarding an input is transmitted from each of the
input sections to the main body apparatus 2 may or may not be the
same.
[0104] The above operation data is transmitted to the main body
apparatus 2, whereby the main body apparatus 2 can obtain inputs
provided to the left controller 3. That is, the main body apparatus
2 can determine operations on the buttons 103 and the analog stick
32 based on the operation data. Further, the main body apparatus 2
can calculate information regarding the motion and/or the
orientation of the left controller 3 based on the operation data
(specifically, the detection results of the acceleration sensor 104
and the angular velocity sensor 105).
[0105] The left controller 3 includes a vibrator 107 for giving
notification to the user by a vibration. In the exemplary
embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by a command from the
main body apparatus 2. That is, if receiving the above command from
the main body apparatus 2, the communication control section 101
drives the vibrator 107 in accordance with the received command.
Here, the left controller 3 includes a codec section 106. If
receiving the above command, the communication control section 101
outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the codec
section 106. The codec section 106 generates a driving signal for
driving the vibrator 107 from the control signal from the
communication control section 101 and outputs the driving signal to
the vibrator 107. Consequently, the vibrator 107 operates. It
should be noted that as shown in FIG. 4, the vibrator 107 according
to the exemplary embodiment is provided near a lower end portion
within the left controller 3 (near a lower side surface formed
further in a negative y-axis direction).
[0106] More specifically, the vibrator 107 is a linear vibration
motor. Unlike a regular motor that rotationally moves, the linear
vibration motor is driven in a predetermined direction in
accordance with an input voltage and therefore can be vibrated at
an amplitude and a frequency corresponding to the waveform of the
input voltage. In the exemplary embodiment, a vibration control
signal transmitted from the main body apparatus 2 to the left
controller 3 may be a digital signal representing the frequency and
the amplitude every unit of time. In another exemplary embodiment,
the main body apparatus 2 may transmit information indicating the
waveform itself. The transmission of only the amplitude and the
frequency, however, enables a reduction in the amount of
communication data. Additionally, to further reduce the amount of
data, only the differences between the numerical values of the
amplitude and the frequency at that time and the previous values
may be transmitted, instead of the numerical values. In this case,
the codec section 106 converts a digital signal indicating the
values of the amplitude and the frequency acquired from the
communication control section 101 into the waveform of an analog
voltage and inputs a voltage in accordance with the resulting
waveform, thereby driving the vibrator 107. Thus, the main body
apparatus 2 changes the amplitude and the frequency to be
transmitted every unit of time and thereby can control the
amplitude and the frequency at which the vibrator 107 is to be
vibrated at that time. It should be noted that not only a single
amplitude and a single frequency, but also two or more amplitudes
and two or more frequencies may be transmitted from the main body
apparatus 2 to the left controller 3. In this case, the codec
section 106 combines waveforms indicated by the plurality of
received amplitudes and frequencies and thereby can generate the
waveform of a voltage for controlling the vibrator 107.
[0107] The left controller 3 includes a power supply section 108.
In the exemplary embodiment, the power supply section 108 includes
a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown in FIG.
7, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and also
connected to components of the left controller 3 (specifically,
components that receive power supplied from the battery).
[0108] As shown in FIG. 7, the right controller 4 includes a
communication control section 111, which communicates with the main
body apparatus 2. Further, the right controller 4 includes a memory
112, which is connected to the communication control section 111.
The communication control section 111 is connected to components
including the terminal 64. The communication control section 111
and the memory 112 have functions similar to those of the
communication control section 101 and the memory 102, respectively,
of the left controller 3. Thus, the communication control section
111 can communicate with the main body apparatus 2 through both
wired communication via the terminal 64 and wireless communication
not via the terminal 64 (specifically, communication compliant with
the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard). The communication
control section 111 controls the method for communication performed
by the right controller 4 with the main body apparatus 2.
[0109] The right controller 4 includes input sections similar to
the input sections of the left controller 3. Specifically, the
right controller 4 includes buttons 113, the analog stick 52, and
inertial sensors (an acceleration sensor 114 and an angular
velocity sensor 115). These input sections have functions similar
to those of the input sections of the left controller 3 and operate
similarly to the input sections of the left controller 3.
[0110] Further, the right controller 4 includes a vibrator 117 and
a codec section 116. The vibrator 117 and the codec section 116
operate similarly to the vibrator 107 and the codec section 106,
respectively, of the left controller 3. That is, in accordance with
a command from the main body apparatus 2, the communication control
section 111 causes the vibrator 117 to operate, using the codec
section 116. It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 5, the
vibrator 117 according to the exemplary embodiment is provided near
a lower end portion within the right controller 4 (near the lower
side surface formed further in the negative y-axis direction).
[0111] Further, the right controller 4 includes the infrared image
capturing section 123. The infrared image capturing section 123
includes an infrared camera for capturing a portion around the
right controller 4. As an example, the main body apparatus 2 and/or
the right controller 4 calculate information of a captured image
(e.g., information related to the luminance of a plurality of
blocks into which at least the entirety of a partial area of a
captured image is divided or the like), and based on the calculated
information, determine a change in the portion around the right
controller 4. Further, the infrared image capturing section 123 may
capture an image using ambient light, but in the exemplary
embodiment, includes the infrared light-emitting section 124, which
emits infrared light. The infrared light-emitting section 124 emits
infrared light, for example, in synchronization with the timing
when the infrared camera captures an image. Then, the infrared
light emitted from the infrared light-emitting section 124 is
reflected by an image capturing target, and the infrared camera
receives the reflected infrared light, thereby acquiring an image
of the infrared light. This enables the infrared image capturing
section 123 to obtain a clearer infrared light image. It should be
noted that the infrared image capturing section 123 and the
infrared light-emitting section 124 may be provided as different
devices in the right controller 4, or may be provided as a single
device in the same package in the right controller 4. Further, in
the exemplary embodiment, the infrared image capturing section 123
including an infrared camera is used. In another exemplary
embodiment, a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light
image sensor) may be used as image capturing means, instead of the
infrared camera.
[0112] The right controller 4 includes a processing section 121.
The processing section 121 is connected to the communication
control section 111. Further, the processing section 121 is
connected to the infrared image capturing section 123 and the
infrared light-emitting section 124.
[0113] The processing section 121 includes a CPU, a memory, and the
like. Based on a predetermined program (e.g., an application
program for performing image processing and various calculations)
stored in a storage device (e.g., a non-volatile memory or the
like) (not shown) included in the right controller 4, and in
accordance with a command from the main body apparatus 2, the
processing section 121 performs the process of managing the
infrared image capturing section 123. For example, the processing
section 121 causes the infrared image capturing section 123 to
perform an image capturing operation. Further, the processing
section 121 acquires and/or calculates information based on an
image capturing result (information of a captured image,
information calculated from this information, or the like) and
transmits the information to the main body apparatus 2 via the
communication control section 111. Further, in accordance with a
command from the main body apparatus 2, the processing section 121
performs the process of managing the infrared light-emitting
section 124. For example, in accordance with a command from the
main body apparatus 2, the processing section 121 controls the
light emission of the infrared light-emitting section 124. It
should be noted that a memory used by the processing section 121 to
perform processing may be provided in the processing section 121 or
may be the memory 112.
[0114] The right controller 4 includes a power supply section 118.
The power supply section 118 has a function similar to that of the
power supply section 108 of the left controller 3 and operates
similarly to the power supply section 108.
[0115] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a description is given of a
game where the moving device 200, which is an example of an
apparatus for moving in real space, is moved. FIG. 8 is a diagram
showing an example of the state where the user operates the main
body apparatus 2, thereby moving the moving device 200 in real
space. In the exemplary embodiment, the moving device 200 includes
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 detachably
attached to the moving object 201. Then, the left controller 3 and
the right controller 4 attached to the moving object 201 are
vibrated, whereby the moving device 200 placed on a predetermined
surface moves on the predetermined surface.
[0116] Here, although the details will be described later, each of
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the
moving object 201 vibrates based on vibration data transmitted from
the main body apparatus 2. Further, each of the left controller 3
and the right controller 4 transmits, to the main body apparatus 2,
controller data including data (e.g., angular velocity data or
acceleration data) allowing the calculation of the orientation of
the controller, and data regarding a captured image captured by the
right controller 4. Thus, the moving object 201 does not need to
have an electrical structure such as an electronic circuit for
detecting the orientation of the moving device 200, capturing a
portion around the moving device 200, or transmitting and receiving
vibration data or controller data. Thus, according to the exemplary
embodiment, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the
moving object 201, which forms the moving device 200, which is an
example of the apparatus for moving in real space.
[0117] For example, in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG.
8, the right controller 4 and the left controller 3 are attached to
left and right side surfaces, respectively, of the moving object
201, thereby forming the moving device 200. Then, both the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 are vibrated in the state
where the moving device 200 is placed on a predetermined surface in
real space, whereby the moving device 200 moves along the
predetermined surface in a predetermined moving direction (the
negative y-axis directions of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 attached to the moving object 201 in the exemplary
embodiment). Further, only the controller (the right controller 4
in the exemplary embodiment) attached to the left side with respect
to the moving direction is vibrated, whereby the moving device 200
moves by changing its moving direction to the right with respect to
the moving direction. Further, only the controller (the left
controller 3 in the exemplary embodiment) attached to the right
side with respect to the moving direction is vibrated, whereby the
moving device 200 moves by changing its moving direction to the
left with respect to the moving direction. That is, a controller to
be vibrated is switched, whereby it is also possible to change the
moving direction of the moving device 200.
[0118] The user performs touch operations on operation button
images (operation icons) displayed on the display 12 of the main
body apparatus 2 and thereby can control the vibrations of the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the moving
object 201. For example, on the display 12, a left vibration button
image IL, a right vibration button image IR, a left vibration
frequency adjustment bar image IFL, a right vibration frequency
adjustment bar image IFR, a self-propelled mode selection button
image IM1, a night-vision mode selection button image IM2, and the
like are displayed. The user performs a touch operation on at least
one of the operation button images displayed on the display 12 and
thereby can impart vibrations corresponding to the operation button
image subjected to the touch operation to the left controller 3
and/or the right controller 4.
[0119] For example, when the left vibration button image IL is
subjected to a touch operation, vibration data for vibrating a
controller (the right controller 4 in the exemplary embodiment)
attached to the left side (i.e., the left side when the moving
object 201 is directed in the same direction as the moving
direction) when a front surface side (a front surface portion 201F
side described later) of the moving object 201 is viewed from a
back surface side (a back surface portion 201B side described
later) of the moving object 201 is transmitted from the main body
apparatus 2 to the controller, and the controller on the left side
vibrates in accordance with the vibration data. Further, when the
right vibration button image IR is subjected to a touch operation,
vibration data for vibrating a controller (the left controller 3 in
the exemplary embodiment) attached to the right side (i.e., the
right side when the moving object 201 is directed in the same
direction as the moving direction) when the front surface side (the
front surface portion 201F side described later) of the moving
object 201 is viewed from the back surface side (the back surface
portion 201B side described later) of the moving object 201 is
transmitted from the main body apparatus 2 to the controller, and
the controller on the right side vibrates in accordance with the
vibration data.
[0120] The user performs a drag operation on an operation handler
image included in the left vibration frequency adjustment bar image
IFL along the direction of the bar and thereby can change the
frequency at which to vibrate the controller attached to the left
side as viewed from the back surface side of the moving object 201.
Further, the user performs a drag operation on an operation handler
image included in the right vibration frequency adjustment bar
image IFR along the direction of the bar and thereby can change the
frequency at which to vibrate the controller attached to the right
side as viewed from the back surface side of the moving object 201.
Specifically, in accordance with the position of the operation
handler image in the left vibration frequency adjustment bar image
IFL or the right vibration frequency adjustment bar image IFR, the
corresponding vibration frequency is set. The operation handler
image is moved by a drag operation, whereby it is possible to
change the vibration frequency. For example, the resonance
frequency of the vibrator 107 or the vibrator 117 is 170 Hz, a
touch operation is performed on the left vibration frequency
adjustment bar image IFL or the right vibration frequency
adjustment bar image IFR, whereby it is also possible to adjust the
vibration frequency to the resonance frequency and vibrate the
vibrator 107 or the vibrator 117 more strongly. The vibration
frequency is thus adjusted, whereby it is possible to strengthen
the vibration of the moving device 200, whereby it is possible to
increase and decrease the propulsive force of the moving device
200.
[0121] When the self-propelled mode selection button image IM1 is
subjected to a touch operation, the moving device 200 automatically
runs in a self-propelled mode where the moving device 200 is
controlled based on a captured image obtained by capturing a
portion around the moving device 200. For example, the right
controller 4 attached to the moving object 201 includes the
infrared image capturing section 123 and the infrared
light-emitting section 124. In the self-propelled mode, data
regarding a captured image captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123 is transmitted to the main body apparatus 2. Then,
based on the transmitted data regarding the captured image, the
main body apparatus 2 sets the direction in which the moving device
200 moves. Then, the main body apparatus 2 transmits vibration data
based on the moving direction to the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4, whereby the moving device 200 is
self-propelled. It should be noted that the self-propelled mode
will be described in detail later.
[0122] When the night-vision mode selection button image IM2 is
subjected to a touch operation, the moving device 200 moves while
capturing a portion around the moving device 200. For example, when
the right controller 4 is attached to the moving object 201 as
illustrated in FIG. 8, the image capturing direction of the
infrared image capturing section 123 of the right controller 4 is
set to the moving direction of the moving device 200. Further, as
shown in FIG. 8, an image captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123 is transmitted to the main body apparatus 2, whereby
the image is displayed as a captured image IC on the display 12 of
the main body apparatus 2. In a night-vision mode, the main body
apparatus 2 transmits, to the right controller 4, instruction data
for instructing the infrared image capturing section 123 to capture
an image in the state where the infrared light-emitting section 124
emits infrared light. Then, when receiving, from the right
controller 4, data indicating the image captured by the infrared
image capturing section 123, the main body apparatus 2 displays the
image as the captured image IC on the display 12 of the main body
apparatus 2.
[0123] Here, each of the left controller 3 and the right controller
4 attached to the moving object 201 includes the inertial sensors
(the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor). Thus, it
is possible to calculate the orientations and/or the motions of the
left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (i.e., the orientation
and/or the motion of the moving device 200) using the detection
results of the inertial sensors. In the exemplary embodiment, in
accordance with such an orientation and/or a motion of the moving
device 200, the state where the moving device 200 moves is
estimated. For example, when the moving device 200 falls down while
moving, the orientations of the left controller 3 and/or the right
controller 4 change in accordance with the falling down. Thus,
based on the changes in the orientations, it is possible to detect
the presence or absence of the falling down of the moving device
200. When the falling down of the moving device 200 is detected,
the vibrations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
may be stopped, or an image for notifying the user of the falling
down may be displayed on the display 12 of the main body apparatus
2, or a voice or a warning sound for notifying the user of the
falling down may be output from the speakers 88 of the main body
apparatus 2.
[0124] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14, a description is
given of the moving device 200, which is an example of the
apparatus for moving in real space. It should be noted that FIG. 9
is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance
of the moving object 201. FIG. 10 is six orthogonal views showing
an example of the external appearance of the moving object 201.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the state where the left
controller 3 is attached to the moving object 201. FIG. 12 is a
front view of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 as
viewed in a negative y-axis direction, showing an example of the
external appearance of the moving device 200 to which the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached. FIG. 13 is a
right side view showing an example of the external appearance of
the moving device 200 to which the left controller 3 is attached.
FIG. 14 is a left side view showing an example of the external
appearance of the moving device 200 to which the right controller 4
is attached.
[0125] In FIGS. 9 and 10, generally, the moving object 201 has a
box-like shape including an upper surface portion 201U, a front
surface portion 201F, a back surface portion 201B, a left side
surface portion 201L, and a right side surface portion 201R. Then,
at the lower ends of the left side surface portion 201L and the
right side surface portion 201R, leg portions GL and GR,
respectively, which are examples of grounded portions, are formed.
The leg portions GL and GR are grounded on a predetermined surface,
whereby it is possible to place the moving object 201 on the
predetermined surface.
[0126] In the left side surface portion 201L, a fitting hole SL is
formed, with which one of the controllers (the right controller 4
in the exemplary embodiment) is detachably engaged. The fitting
hole SL is formed so as to be shaped to fit at least a part of the
right controller 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the fitting hole
SL is formed into a slit shape similar to the shape of the right
rail member 19, which is provided in the main body apparatus 2.
Then, the fitting hole SL is formed so as to fit at least a part of
the slider 62 of the right controller 4. Specifically, the fitting
hole SL is formed so as to be inserted into the slider 62 of the
right controller 4 from the back surface portion 201B side of the
moving object 201. The right controller 4 is slid along the
longitudinal direction of the slit of the fitting hole SL in the
state where only the slider 62 is inserted into the moving object
201, thereby attaching the right controller 4 to the fitting hole
SL. Further, the slit width of the fitting hole SL is such that a
part of the fitting hole SL on the front surface portion 201F side
is formed to be narrow, and a narrow slit portion SLn is formed in
the part of the fitting hole SL. When the slider 62 of the right
controller 4 is inserted to the narrow slit portion SLn, there is
no space between the slider 62 and the left side surface portion
201L, or there is predetermined interference between the slider 62
and the left side surface portion 201L. Then, the right controller
4 is fixed to the moving object 201 in a so-called transition fit
or tight fit state.
[0127] In the right side surface portion 201R, a fitting hole SR is
formed, with which one of the controllers (the left controller 3 in
the exemplary embodiment) is detachably engaged. The fitting hole
SR is formed so as to be in shaped to fit at least a part of the
left controller 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the fitting hole SR
is formed into a slit shape similar to the shape of the left rail
member 15, which is provided in the main body apparatus 2. Then,
the fitting hole SR is formed so as to fit at least a part of the
slider 40 of the left controller 3. Specifically, the fitting hole
SR is formed so as to be inserted into the slider 40 of the left
controller 3 from the back surface portion 201B side of the moving
object 201. The left controller 3 is slid along the longitudinal
direction of the slit of the fitting hole SR in the state where
only the slider 40 is inserted into the moving object 201, thereby
attaching the left controller 3 to the fitting hole SR. Further,
the slit width of the fitting hole SR is such that a part of the
fitting hole SR on the front surface portion 201F side is formed to
be narrow, and a narrow slit portion SRn is formed in the part of
the fitting hole SR. When the slider 40 of the left controller 3 is
inserted to the narrow slit portion SRn, there is no space between
the slider 40 and the right side surface portion 201R, or there is
predetermined interference between the slider 40 and the right side
surface portion 201R. Then, the left controller 3 is fixed to the
moving object 201 in a so-called transition fit or tight fit
state.
[0128] Here, in the moving object 201, the fitting holes SL and SR
for attaching the right controller 4 and the left controller 3 are
formed on both left and right sides such that the fitting holes SL
and SR are parallel to each other across the upper surface portion
201U having a predetermined width, and have the same height (i.e.,
are symmetrical with each other). Consequently, the left controller
3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the moving object 201
such that the xyz axis directions of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 are parallel to each other, and the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 have the same height.
[0129] In a lower portion on the front surface portion 201F side of
the left side surface portion 201L, a plurality of leg portions GL
are formed. In the exemplary embodiment, three leg portions GL,
which can be grounded in three places, are formed in the left side
surface portion 201L. The leg portions GL are formed relatively on
the front surface portion 201F side, and at least two leg portions
GL (e.g., all the three leg portions GL) are formed on the front
surface portion 201F side with respect to the center of the moving
object 201. Further, the length of each of the leg portions GL is
adjusted so that when the moving object 201 is placed in the state
where the three leg portions GL are grounded on a predetermined
surface, the entirety of the moving object 201 is inclined forward
at a predetermined angle (has an angle of depression).
Consequently, when the moving object 201 is placed, the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the moving
object 201 are also arranged such that the left controller 3 and
the right controller 4 are inclined forward at the predetermined
angle.
[0130] Further, also in the right side surface portion 201R, leg
portions GR similar to the plurality of leg portions GL formed in
the left side surface portion 201L are formed symmetrically to the
leg portions GL. That is, also in the right side surface portion
201R, a plurality of (e.g., three) leg portions GR, which can be
grounded in a plurality of places (e.g., three places), are formed.
The leg portions GR are formed relatively on the front surface
portion 201F side, and at least two leg portions GR (e.g., all the
three leg portions GR) are formed on the front surface portion 201F
side with respect to the center of the moving object 201. Further,
similarly to the leg portions GL, the length of each of the leg
portions GR is adjusted so that when the moving object 201 is
placed in the state where the three leg portions GR are grounded on
a predetermined surface, the entirety of the moving object 201 is
inclined forward at a predetermined angle.
[0131] It should be noted that as an example of a part to be
grounded when the moving device 200 is placed on a surface in real
space, the three leg portions GL and the three leg portions GR that
can be grounded in three places are used. Alternatively, another
grounded portion may be used. For example, a grounded portion of at
least a part of the moving device 200 may be formed of a wheel for
forming a tread that rolls on a predetermined surface in real
space, a tire attached to the wheel, a cylinder (a roller), or the
like. Further, a grounded portion of at least a part of the moving
device 200 may be formed of a plate-like member for sliding a
predetermined surface in real space. Further, a grounded portion of
at least a part of the moving device 200 may be formed by grounding
extremity portions of a plurality of fibers or wires implanted in a
lower portion of the moving device 200. Further, a grounded portion
of at least a part of the moving device 200 may be formed by
providing, in a lower portion of the moving device 200, a member
capable of being bent in accordance with a vibration imparted to
the member, and by grounding the lower end of the member.
[0132] In the exemplary embodiment, the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 are attached to the moving object 201 such that
the negative y-axis directions of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 are on the front surface portion 201F side of
the moving object 201 in the state where the main surfaces (the
surfaces on which the analog sticks 32 and 52 are provided) of the
left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are directed upward.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the left controller
3 is attached to the moving object 201, the left controller 3 is
inserted into the fitting hole SR of the right side surface portion
201R from the lower side surface (the surface formed further in the
negative y-axis direction) side in the state where the main surface
of the left controller 3 is directed upward. At this time, the left
controller 3 is slid in the slit direction of the fitting hole SR
(the direction of an arrow in FIG. 11) from the back surface
portion 201B side of the fitting hole SR in the state where only a
part corresponding to the slider 40 of the left controller 3 is
inserted into the moving object 201. In this slide operation, the
left controller 3 is slid in the negative y-axis direction. When
the left controller 3 slides to the front surface portion 201F side
by the slide operation, the slider 40 of the left controller 3 fits
the narrow slit portion SRn. By this fitting with the narrow slit
portion SRn, the slider 40 of the left controller 3 is fixed to the
right side surface portion 201R in the state where there is
predetermined interference between the slider 40 and the narrow
slit portion SRn. In this state, the left controller 3 is attached
along the slit direction of the fitting hole SR. It should be noted
that although the right controller 4 is attached along the slit
direction of the fitting hole SR, the right controller 4 is
attached by a slide operation similar to that of the left
controller 3. Thus, the attachment of the right controller 4 is not
described in detail here. As shown in FIG. 12, the left controller
3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the moving object 201
such that the xyz axis directions of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 are parallel to each other, and the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 have the same height.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, when the left controller 3 is attached
to the moving object 201, the negative y-axis direction of the left
controller 3 is the front surface direction of the moving object
201 (i.e., the moving direction). Then, as described above, the leg
portions GL and GR are grounded such that the entirety of the
moving object 201 is inclined forward at a predetermined angle.
Thus, the left controller 3 is attached in the state where the
negative y-axis direction of the left controller 3 is at an angle
of depression. Here, the vibrator 107, which is provided in the
left controller 3, is provided near a lower end portion within the
left controller 3 (near the lower side surface formed further in
the negative y-axis direction). Thus, when the left controller 3 is
attached to the moving object 201, the vibrator 107, which is
provided in the left controller 3, is placed on the front surface
side of the moving object 201 (further in the moving direction).
Further, the narrow slit portion SLn, which fits the left
controller 3 in the state where there is predetermined
interference, is formed on the front surface side of the moving
object 201. Thus, a portion near the lower end portion of the left
controller 3 fits the narrow slit portion SRn. That is, the left
controller 3 is fixed to the moving object 201 in the state where
there is predetermined interference near a portion where the
vibrator 107, which is the driving source (the vibration source) of
the moving device 200, is placed. Thus, the vibration of the
vibrator 107 is transmitted to the moving object 201 more
certainly. Further, the leg portions GR, which are places where the
moving device 200 is grounded, are also formed on the front surface
side of the moving object 201. Thus, grounded portions when the
moving device 200 moves are disposed at positions close to the
vibrator 107, which is the driving source (the vibration source).
Thus, it is also possible to impart a stronger vibration to the
grounded portions (the leg portions GR). As described above, in the
exemplary embodiment, the driving source (the vibrator 107) is
placed on the front surface side, which is the moving direction of
the moving device 200, and a fitting portion (the narrow slit
portion SRn) for fixing the driving source and the grounded
portions (the leg portions GR) when the moving device 200 moves are
also provided on the same front surface side. Thus, it is easy to
impart a propulsive force for moving the moving device 200 in the
moving direction, and it is possible to efficiently impart to the
moving object 201 a vibration for moving in the moving
direction.
[0134] Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the right controller 4 is
attached to the moving object 201, the negative y-axis direction of
the right controller 4 is the front surface direction of the moving
object 201 (i.e., the moving direction). Then, as described above,
the leg portions GL and GR are grounded such that the entirety of
the moving object 201 is inclined forward at a predetermined angle.
Thus, the right controller 4 is attached in the state where the
negative y-axis direction of the right controller 4 is at an angle
of depression. Here, the vibrator 117, which is provided in the
right controller 4, is provided near a lower end portion within the
right controller 4 (near the lower side surface formed further in
the negative y-axis direction). Thus, when the right controller 4
is attached to the moving object 201, the vibrator 117, which is
provided in the right controller 4, is placed on the front surface
side of the moving object 201 (further in the moving direction).
Further, the narrow slit portion SLn, which fits the right
controller 4 in the state where there is predetermined
interference, is formed on the front surface side of the moving
object 201. Thus, a portion near the lower end portion of the right
controller 4 fits the narrow slit portion SLn. That is, the right
controller 4 is fixed to the moving object 201 in the state where
there is predetermined interference near a portion where the
vibrator 117, which is the driving source (the vibration source) of
the moving device 20 is placed. Thus, the vibration of the vibrator
117 is transmitted to the moving object 201 more certainly.
Further, the leg portions GL, which are places where the moving
device 200 is grounded, are also formed on the front surface side
of the moving object 201. Thus, grounded portions when the moving
device 200 moves are disposed at positions close to the vibrator
117, which is the driving source (the vibration source). Thus, it
is also possible to impart a stronger vibration to the grounded
portions (the leg portions GL). As described above, in the
exemplary embodiment, the driving source (the vibrator 117) is
placed on the front surface side, which is the moving direction of
the moving device 200, and a fitting portion (the narrow slit
portion SLn) for fixing the driving source and the grounded
portions (the leg portions GL) when the moving device 200 moves are
also provided on the same front surface side. Thus, it is easy to
impart a propulsive force for moving the moving device 200 in the
moving direction, and it is possible to efficiently impart to the
moving object 201 a vibration for moving in the moving
direction.
[0135] Further, as is clear from FIGS. 9 to 14, the leg portions GL
are disposed as grounded portions in a lower area of the vibrator
117, and the leg portions GR are disposed as grounded portions in a
lower area of the vibrator 107. That is, the leg portions GL are
disposed relatively distant from the vibrator 107 with respect to
the leg portions GR. The leg portions GR are disposed relatively
distant from the vibrator 117 with respect to the leg portions GL.
Thus, even when the vibrators 107 and 117 are vibrated with the
same amplitude and the same frequency, the leg portions GL vibrate
more strongly by a vibration obtained from the vibrator 117 than by
a vibration obtained from the vibrator 107, and the leg portions GR
vibrate more strongly by a vibration obtained from the vibrator 107
than by a vibration obtained from the vibrator 117. Further, when
only the vibrator 107 vibrates, the leg portions GR vibrate by a
vibration greater than that of the leg portions GL, and in the
moving device 200, the propulsive force on the right side as viewed
from the back surface side is greater than the propulsive force on
the left side. Thus, the moving device 200 moves revolving to the
left. On the other hand, when only the vibrator 117 vibrates, the
leg portions GL vibrate by a vibration greater than that of the leg
portions GR, and in the moving device 200, the propulsive force on
the left side as viewed from the back surface side is greater than
the propulsive force on the right side. Thus, the moving device 200
moves revolving to the right.
[0136] It should be noted that a method for attaching the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the moving object 201 is
not limited to the above example, and the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 may be attached by another method. As a first
example, in the state where the main surfaces (the surfaces on
which the analog sticks 32 and 52 are provided) of the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 are directed downward or
directed sideways, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
may be attached to the moving object 201. As a second example, in
the state where positive y-axis directions of the left controller 3
and the right controller 4 are the front surface direction of the
moving object 201, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
may be attached to the moving object 201. As a third example, the
left controller 3 may be attached to the left side surface portion
201L of the moving object 201, and the right controller 4 may be
attached to the right side surface portion 201R of the moving
object 201. Alternatively, the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 may be attached to the moving object 201 by combining
at least two of the first to third examples.
[0137] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a method for assembling the
moving object 201 is described. It should be noted that FIG. 15 is
a diagram showing an example of a cardboard member for assembling
the moving object 201. It should be noted that in FIG. 15, a solid
line indicates a line for cutting off the cardboard member, and a
dashed-dotted line indicates a line for mountain-folding the
cardboard member.
[0138] In FIG. 15, components of the moving object 201 are formed
by folding the cardboard member. It should be noted that the
components shown in FIG. 15 may be parts of the components of the
moving object 201, and components that are not shown in FIG. 15 may
also be assembled by folding the cardboard member. Further, in the
exemplary embodiment, the cardboard member may be a single plate
member having a stack structure or a plurality of plate members
bonded together. For example, the cardboard member may be a
so-called corrugated cardboard member, which is formed by bonding a
plate-like paper sheet to one surface or both of two surfaces of a
corrugated plate-like paper sheet.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 15, the moving object 201 is formed by
folding a single cardboard member into a three-dimensional shape.
In the cardboard member for forming the moving object 201, holes
for forming the upper surface portion 201U, the front surface
portion 201F, the back surface portion 201B, the left side surface
portion 201L, the right side surface portion 201R, and the fitting
holes SL and SR, pass-through holes and pass-through notches to
which formed components are fixed, pass-through pieces for passing
through the pass-through holes and the pass-through notches, and
the like are formed. Then, a plate member in which the components
are formed is mountain-folded in a dashed-dotted line portion, and
the pass-through pieces are caused to pass through the pass-through
holes and the pass-through notches, thereby assembling the moving
object 201. Specifically, the plate member is formed of a cardboard
member, and the cardboard member is folded into a three-dimensional
shape for forming the moving object 201, thereby assembling the
moving object 201.
[0140] For folding the cardboard member to form a three-dimensional
shape (a polyhedron shape), the surfaces may be bonded together by
any method. For example, the sides of the surfaces may be bonded
together by an adhesive tape. An insertion tab may be formed on one
of the sides, and an insertion hole may be formed in the other
side, so that the insertion tab may be inserted into the insertion
hole. The sides of the surfaces may be bonded together by an
adhesive agent. In the above-described embodiment, the components
of the moving object 201 are each formed of a cardboard member.
Alternatively, at least a part of these components may be a thin
paper sheet or another type of plate member. For example, at least
a part of these components may be assembled by folding a resinous,
wooden or metallic thin or thick plate member or may be strip-like
fiber members. A part of these components may be combined with a
component of a different material. For example, a hole through
which another member passes and a grounded portion for moving by
being grounded can be scraped or worn by the movement of the member
or the movement of the moving object 201 itself. Thus, a ring
member or a sheet member made of resin or the like can be used in
this portion. At least parts of the components may be provided in
advance as a polyhedron component. Further, at least parts of the
components may be formed as a polyhedron component in advance.
[0141] Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the self-propelled mode is
described. It should be noted that FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an
example of the state where the moving device 200 moves using the
self-propelled mode.
[0142] In FIG. 16, when the moving device 200 moves in the
self-propelled mode, an image captured by the infrared image
capturing section 123, which is provided in the right controller 4,
is used. For example, on the lower side surface of the right
controller 4, the window portion 68 is provided, through which the
infrared image capturing section 123 captures the surroundings.
When the right controller 4 is attached to the moving object 201,
the window portion 68 is placed further in the moving direction of
the moving device 200. Thus, the image capturing direction of the
infrared image capturing section 123 for capturing an image through
the window portion 68 is the moving direction of the moving device
200.
[0143] When the moving device 200 is moved in the self-propelled
mode, an image capturing target member is placed on the same
movement surface on which the moving device 200 moves. For example,
at least a part of the image capturing target member includes a
recognition portion M, which is composed of a material
distinguishable from another portion in a captured image captured
by the infrared image capturing section 123. For example, the
recognition portion M may be composed of a material having
retroreflective properties. Consequently, the recognition portion M
reflects more infrared light. Thus, it is easy to recognize the
recognition portion M, i.e., the image capturing position of the
image capturing target member, in the captured image captured by
the infrared image capturing section 123. It should be noted that
the image capturing target member may be placed at rest on the
movement surface, or may be stuck to another moving device (e.g.,
another moving device 200).
[0144] In the self-propelled mode, data regarding a captured image
captured by the infrared image capturing section 123 is transmitted
to the main body apparatus 2. Then, based on the transmitted data
regarding the captured image, the main body apparatus 2 determines,
using a predetermined image recognition process, whether or not the
image capturing target member (the recognition portion M) is
captured in the captured image. Further, when the image capturing
target member (the recognition portion M) is captured in the
captured image, the main body apparatus 2 calculates an image
capturing target image capturing direction in which the image
capturing target member is captured, and based on the image
capturing target image capturing direction, sets the direction in
which the moving device 200 should move. As an example, the main
body apparatus 2 adjusts the moving direction of the moving device
200 by controlling the vibrations of the vibrators 107 and 117 so
that the closest image capturing target member (the recognition
portion M) captured in the captured image captured by the infrared
image capturing section 123 is captured at the center of the
captured image. For example, when the image capturing target member
(the recognition portion M) is captured in a left side area of the
captured image, the main body apparatus 2 vibrates only the
vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 so as to revolve the moving
direction of the moving device 200 to the left. Then, when the
image capturing position of the image capturing target member moves
to a center area of the captured image, the main body apparatus 2
vibrates both the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the
vibrator 117 of the right controller 4, thereby moving the moving
device 200 toward the image capturing target member. On the other
hand, when the image capturing target member (the recognition
portion M) is captured in a right side area of the captured image,
the main body apparatus 2 vibrates only the vibrator 117 of the
right controller 4 so as to revolve the moving direction of the
moving device 200 to the right. Then, when the image capturing
position of the image capturing target member moves to the center
area of the captured image, the main body apparatus 2 vibrates both
the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of
the right controller 4, thereby moving the moving device 200 toward
the image capturing target member.
[0145] It should be noted that as described above, the recognition
portion M may be stuck to another moving device. For example, the
recognition portion M is stuck to a back portion of the other
moving device, whereby it is possible to control the moving device
200 to be self-propelled by automatically following the other
moving device that is moving. Further, in the above description,
control for moving the moving device 200 toward the image capturing
target member (the recognition portion M) is used. Alternatively,
another type of control may be performed in the self-propelled
mode. For example, when the image capturing target member (the
recognition portion M) is not captured in a captured image captured
by the infrared image capturing section 123, the main body
apparatus 2 may perform control so that a predetermined operation
for searching for the image capturing target member (e.g., an
operation for revolving the moving device 200 to the right or the
left) may be performed, or the main body apparatus 2 may perform
control to stop the movement at this position. Yet alternatively,
the main body apparatus 2 may move the moving device 200 so as to
avoid collision with the image capturing target member. In this
case, the main body apparatus 2 may control the moving direction of
the moving device 200 so that the image capturing position of the
image capturing target member is a left end portion or a right end
portion of the captured image. Alternatively, the main body
apparatus 2 may control the moving direction of the moving device
200 so that the image capturing target member is not captured in
the captured image.
[0146] Further, data regarding a captured image captured by the
infrared image capturing section 123 transmitted from the right
controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2 may be data indicating
the captured image itself, or may be data indicating information
obtained from the captured image. Based on the above information,
the main body apparatus 2 estimates the image capturing position of
the image capturing target member (the recognition portion M) and
controls the moving direction of the moving device 200. As an
example, in the right controller 4, a cluster of high-luminance
pixels may be detected from a captured image captured by the
infrared image capturing section 123, and data indicating the
position and the size of the cluster in the captured image may be
transmitted to the main body apparatus 2. As another example, in
the right controller 4, a captured image captured by the infrared
image capturing section 123 may be divided into a plurality of
blocks, and data indicating the average luminance and the position
of the center of gravity of each block may be transmitted to the
main body apparatus 2.
[0147] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, a description is
given of an example of specific processing executed by the main
body apparatus 2 according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 17 is
a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 85 of
the main body apparatus 2 according to the exemplary embodiment. It
should be noted that in the DRAM 85, in addition to data shown in
FIG. 17, data used for other processes is also stored, but is not
described in detail here.
[0148] In a program storage area of the DRAM 85, various programs
Pa, which are executed by the main body apparatus 2, are stored. In
the exemplary embodiment, as the various programs Pa, a
communication program for wirelessly communicating with the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4, an application program for
performing information processing (e.g., game processing) based on
data acquired from the left controller 3 and/or the right
controller 4, a vibration control program for vibrating the left
controller 3 and/or the right controller 4, and the like are
stored. It should be noted that the various programs Pa may be
stored in advance in the flash memory 84, or may be acquired from a
storage medium attachable to and detachable from the game system 1
(e.g., a storage medium attached to the slot 23) and stored in the
DRAM 85, or may be acquired from another apparatus via a network
such as the Internet and stored in the DRAM 85. The processor 81
executes the various programs Pa stored in the DRAM 85.
[0149] Further, in a data storage area of the DRAM 85, various data
used for processes such as a communication process, information
processing, and the like executed by the main body apparatus 2 is
stored. In the exemplary embodiment, in the DRAM 85, operation data
Da, controller data Db, orientation data Dc, recognition portion
position data Dd, vibration data De, self-propelled mode flag data
Df, frequency data Dg, image data Dh, and the like are stored.
[0150] The operation data Da is data indicating the content of an
operation performed using the main body apparatus 2. For example,
the main body apparatus 2 includes the touch panel 13 on the screen
of the display 12, and data indicating the presence or absence of a
touch operation on the touch panel 13 and the touch position is
appropriately stored in the operation data Da. In the exemplary
embodiment, operation data is output in a predetermined cycle from
an operation device (e.g., the touch panel 13) included in the main
body apparatus 2, and the operation data Da is appropriately
updated using the output operation data. It should be noted that
the update cycle of the operation data Dc may be such that the
operation data Da is updated every frame, which is the cycle of the
processing described later executed by the game system 1, or is
updated every cycle in which the above operation data is
output.
[0151] The controller data Db is data appropriately acquired from
each of the left controller 3 and/or the right controller 4. As
described above, controller data transmitted from each of the left
controller 3 and/or the right controller 4 includes information
regarding an input (specifically, information regarding an
operation or the detection result of the sensor) from each of the
input sections (specifically, each button, each analog stick, and
each sensor), and information based on the image capturing result
of a captured image captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123. In the exemplary embodiment, controller data is
transmitted in a predetermined cycle from each of the left
controller 3 and/or the right controller 4 through wireless
communication, and the controller data Db is appropriately updated
using the received controller data. It should be noted that the
update cycle of the controller data Db may be such that the
controller data Db is updated every frame, which is the cycle of
the processing described later executed by the game system 1, or is
updated every cycle in which the above controller data is
transmitted through the wireless communication. Specifically, the
controller data Db includes angular velocity data Db1, acceleration
data Db2, captured image data Db3, and the like. The angular
velocity data Db1 is data indicating information regarding angular
velocities generated in the left controller 3 and detected by the
angular velocity sensor 105 of the left controller 3, and
information regarding angular velocities generated in the right
controller 4 and detected by the angular velocity sensor 115 of the
right controller 4. For example, the angular velocity data Db1
includes data indicating angular velocities generated about the xyz
axes in each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.
The acceleration data Db2 is data indicating information regarding
accelerations generated in the left controller 3 and detected by
the acceleration sensor 104 of the left controller 3, and
information regarding accelerations generated in the right
controller 4 and detected by the acceleration sensor 114 of the
right controller 4. For example, the acceleration data Db2 includes
data indicating accelerations generated in the xyz axis directions
in each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. The
captured image data Db3 is data regarding a captured image captured
by the infrared image capturing section 123, and may be data
indicating the captured image itself or may be data indicating
information obtained from the captured image.
[0152] The orientation data Dc is data indicating each of the
orientations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
with respect to the direction of a gravitational acceleration in
real space. For example, the orientation data Dc includes data
indicating the direction of a gravitational acceleration acting on
each of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, data
indicating xyz axis directions relative to the direction of the
gravitational acceleration, and the like.
[0153] The recognition portion position data Dd is data indicating
the image capturing position of the recognition portion M captured
in a captured image captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123.
[0154] The vibration data De is data indicating vibrations for
vibrating the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.
[0155] The self-propelled mode flag data Df is data indicating a
self-propelled mode flag set to on when the self-propelled mode is
set.
[0156] The frequency data Dg is data indicating the frequency at
which to vibrate each of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4.
[0157] The image data Dh is data for displaying images (e.g.,
operation button images and the like) on a display device (e.g.,
the display 12 of the main body apparatus 2) when a game is
performed.
[0158] Next, a description is given of a detailed example of a
control process (e.g., game processing for controlling the movement
of the moving device 200) according to the exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the control process
executed by the main body apparatus 2. FIG. 19 is a subroutine
showing an example of a self-propelled mode process in step S165 in
FIG. 18. In the exemplary embodiment, a series of processes shown
in FIGS. 18 and 19 is performed by the processor 81 executing the
communication program and a predetermined application program (a
communication program) included in the various programs Pa.
Further, the control process shown in FIG. 18 is started at any
timing.
[0159] It should be noted that the processes of all of the steps in
the flow charts shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 are merely illustrative.
Thus, the processing order of the steps may be changed, or another
process may be performed in addition to (or instead of) the
processes of all of the steps, so long as similar results are
obtained. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, descriptions are
given on the assumption that the processor 81 performs the
processes of all of the steps in the flow charts. Alternatively, a
processor or a dedicated circuit other than the processor 81 may
perform the processes of some of the steps in the flow charts. Yet
alternatively, part of the processing performed by the main body
apparatus 2 may be executed by another information processing
apparatus capable of communicating with the main body apparatus 2
(e.g., a server capable of communicating with the main body
apparatus 2 via a network). That is, all the processes shown in
FIGS. 18 and 19 may be executed by the cooperation of a plurality
of information processing apparatuses including the main body
apparatus 2.
[0160] In FIG. 18, the processor 81 performs initialization in the
game processing (step S160), and the processing proceeds to the
next step. For example, in the initialization, the processor 81
initializes parameters for performing the processing described
below. Further, in the initialization, the processor 81 performs
the process of controlling the movement of the moving device 200
and sets the type and identification information of the moving
device 200 (the apparatus for moving in real space) to which the
left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached, where
necessary. For example, the type of the moving device 200 to be
subjected to the control process may be initialized by the user
controlling the movement of the moving device 200 and performing
the operation of selecting the type of the moving device 200, using
the main body apparatus 2, the left controller 3, or the right
controller 4.
[0161] Next, the processor 81 acquires operation data of an
operation device (e.g., the touch panel 13) of the main body
apparatus 2 and updates the operation data Da (step S161), and the
processing proceeds to the next step. For example, using the
position where the touch panel 13 is subjected to a touch
operation, the processor 81 updates the operation data Da.
[0162] Next, the processor 81 acquires controller data from each of
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 and updates the
controller data Db (step S162), and the processing proceeds to the
next step. For example, in accordance with the controller data
acquired from each of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4, the processor 81 updates the angular velocity data
Db1, the acceleration data Db2, and the captured image data
Db3.
[0163] Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not the moving
device 200 is in the self-propelled mode (step S163). Then, when
the moving device 200 is not in the self-propelled mode, the
processing proceeds to step S164. On the other hand, when the
moving device 200 is in the self-propelled mode, the processing
proceeds to step S165. For example, when the self-propelled flag
indicated by the self-propelled mode flag data Df is set to on, the
processor 81 determines that the moving device 200 is in the
self-propelled mode. Further, with reference to the operation data
acquired in the above step S161, when it is indicated that the
self-propelled mode selection button image IM1 (see FIG. 8)
displayed on the display 12 is subjected to a touch operation, the
processor 81 determines that the moving device 200 is in the
self-propelled mode. It should be noted that with reference to the
operation data acquired in the above step S161, when it is
indicated that an operation button for cancelling the
self-propelled mode displayed on the display 12 is subjected to a
touch operation, the processor 81 sets the self-propelled flag
indicated by the self-propelled mode flag data Df to off and also
determines that the moving device 200 is not in the self-propelled
mode.
[0164] In step S164, in accordance with a user operation, the
processor 81 sets vibration data, and the processing proceeds to
step S166. For example, with reference to the operation data Da,
the processor 81 determines whether or not the left vibration
button image IL and/or the right vibration button image IR (see
FIG. 8) displayed on the display 12 are subjected to touch
operations. Then, when the left vibration button image IL is
subjected to a touch operation, the processor 81 performs the
process of generating vibration data for vibrating the right
controller 4. For example, the processor 81 generates a vibration
waveform so that the right controller 4 vibrates with a
predetermined amplitude at the frequency of a vibration to be
imparted to the right controller 4 set in the frequency data Dg,
and based on the vibration waveform, generates vibration data for
vibrating the right controller 4. Then, the processor 81 updates
the vibration data De. Further, when the right vibration button
image IR is subjected to a touch operation, the processor 81
performs the process of generating vibration data for vibrating the
left controller 3. For example, the processor 81 generates a
vibration waveform so that the left controller 3 vibrates with a
predetermined amplitude at the frequency of a vibration to be
imparted to the left controller 3 set in the frequency data Dg, and
based on the vibration waveform, generates vibration data for
vibrating the left controller 3. Then, the processor 81 updates the
vibration data De. It should be noted that when the left vibration
button image IL is not subjected to a touch operation, the
processor 81 generates vibration data for stopping the vibration of
the right controller 4 (e.g., data indicating an instruction to
stop the vibration, or data indicating a vibration waveform of
which the amplitude and the frequency are 0), thereby updating the
vibration data De. Further, when the right vibration button image
IR is not subjected to a touch operation, the processor 81
generates vibration data for stopping the vibration of the left
controller 3, thereby updating the vibration data De.
[0165] In step S166, the processor 81 calculates the orientations
of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, and the
processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81
acquires data indicating accelerations generated in the left
controller 3 from the acceleration data Db2, calculates the
direction of a gravitational acceleration acting on the left
controller 3, and updates the orientation data Dc of the left
controller 3 using data indicating the direction. As a method for
extracting a gravitational acceleration, any method may be used.
For example, an acceleration component generated on average in the
left controller 3 may be calculated and extracted as a
gravitational acceleration. Then, the processor 81 acquires data
indicating angular velocities generated in the left controller 3
from the angular velocity data Db1, calculates angular velocities
about the xyz axes of the left controller 3, and calculates the xyz
axis directions of the left controller 3 with respect to the
direction of the gravitational acceleration using data indicating
the angular velocities, thereby updating the orientation data Dc of
the left controller 3. Further, the processor 81 acquires data
indicating accelerations generated in the right controller 4 from
the acceleration data Db2, calculates the direction of a
gravitational acceleration acting on the right controller 4, and
updates the orientation data Dc of the right controller 4 using
data indicating the direction. Then, the processor 81 acquires data
indicating angular velocities generated in the right controller 4
from the angular velocity data Db1, calculates the angular
velocities about the xyz axes of the right controller 4, and
calculates the xyz axis directions of the right controller 4 with
respect to the direction of the gravitational acceleration using
data indicating the angular velocities, thereby updating the
orientation data Dc of the right controller 4.
[0166] It should be noted that after the xyz axis directions with
respect to the gravitational acceleration are calculated, the
orientations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
may be updated in accordance with only the angular velocities about
the xyz axes. However, to prevent the relationship between the
orientations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4
and the direction of the gravitational acceleration from shifting
due to erroneous accumulation, the xyz axis directions relative to
the direction of the gravitational acceleration may be calculated
every predetermined cycle, and the orientations of the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be corrected.
[0167] Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not the moving
device 200 falls down (step S167). Then, when the moving device 200
falls down, the processing proceeds to step S168. On the other
hand, when the moving device 200 does not fall down, the processing
proceeds to step S169. For example, with reference to the
orientation data Dc, when the directions of gravitational
accelerations generated in the left controller 3 and/or the right
controller 4 are not within a predetermined range including the
positive z-axis direction, the processor 81 determines that the
moving device 200 falls down.
[0168] In step S168, the processor 81 performs the process of
notifying the user of the falling down, and the processing proceeds
to step S169. As a first example, the processor 81 performs the
process of displaying on the display 12 a notification image
indicating that the moving device 200 falls down. As a second
example, the processor 81 performs the process of outputting from
the speakers 88 a notification sound indicating that the moving
device 200 falls down. As a third example, the processor 81 sets
the self-propelled flag indicated by the self-propelled mode flag
data Df to off and also generates vibration data for stopping the
vibrations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4,
thereby updating the vibration data De.
[0169] In step S169, the processor 81 determines whether or not a
frequency adjustment operation is performed. Then, when the
frequency adjustment operation is performed, the processing
proceeds to step S170. On the other hand, when the frequency
adjustment operation is not performed, the processing proceeds to
step S171. For example, with reference to the operation data Da
when the left vibration frequency adjustment bar image IFL and/or
the right vibration frequency adjustment bar image IFR (see FIG. 8)
displayed on the display 12 are subjected to touch operations, the
processor 81 determines that the frequency adjustment operation is
performed.
[0170] In step S170, the processor 81 performs a frequency
adjustment process, and the processing proceeds to step S171. For
example, when a drag operation for moving the operation handler
image included in each of the left vibration frequency adjustment
bar image IFL and/or the right vibration frequency adjustment bar
image IFR is performed along the direction of the bar, the
processor 81 performs the process of moving the operation handler
image in accordance with the drag operation and displaying the
operation handler image on the display 12. Then, when the display
position of the operation handler image moves, the processor 81
newly sets a frequency setting value corresponding to the moved
display position of the operation handler image and updates the
frequency data Dg on the side corresponding to the operation
handler image, using the new frequency setting value.
[0171] In step S171, the processor 81 performs the process of, in
each cycle of transmitting vibration data, transmitting vibration
data corresponding to this cycle to the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4, and the processing proceeds to the next step.
For example, with reference to the vibration data De, the processor
81 transmits vibration data of the left controller 3 for a
vibration length corresponding to the transmission cycle to the
left controller 3. Further, with reference to the vibration data
De, the processor 81 transmits vibration data of the right
controller 4 for a vibration length corresponding to the
transmission cycle to the right controller 4. The vibration data
for each controller is thus transmitted, whereby the left
controller 3 and/or the right controller 4 receiving the vibration
data vibrate based on vibration waveforms corresponding to the
vibration data.
[0172] Next, the processor 81 performs the process of displaying
images on the display 12 (step S172), and the processing proceeds
to the next step. For example, the processor 81 performs the
process of generating operation button images (see FIG. 8) in which
the left vibration button image IL, the right vibration button
image IR, the left vibration frequency adjustment bar image IFL,
the right vibration frequency adjustment bar image IFR, the
self-propelled mode selection button image IM1, the night-vision
mode selection button image IM2, and the like are displayed, and
displaying the operation button images on the display 12. Further,
when a captured image captured by the infrared image capturing
section 123 is acquired from the right controller 4, the processor
81 displays the captured image as the captured image IC on the
display 12. Further, when a setting is made so that a notification
of predetermined information (e.g., information indicating that the
moving device 200 falls down) is displayed, the processor 81
performs the process of generating an image related to the
information and displaying the image on the display 12.
[0173] Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not the game is
to be ended (step S173). In the above step S173, examples of a
condition for ending the game include: the fact that a condition
for ending the game is satisfied; and the fact that the user
performs the operation of ending the game. When the game is not to
be ended, the processing returns to the above step S161, and the
process of step S161 is repeated. When the game is to be ended, the
processing of the flow chart ends. Hereinafter, the series of
processes of steps S161 to S173 are repeatedly executed until it is
determined in step S173 that the game is to be ended.
[0174] On the other hand, when it is determined in the above step
S163 that the moving device 200 is in the self-propelled mode, the
processor 81 performs a self-propelled mode process (step S165),
and the processing proceeds to step S166. With reference to FIG.
19, a description is given of the self-propelled mode process
performed in step S165.
[0175] In FIG. 19 the processor 81 analyzes a captured image
captured by the infrared image capturing section 123 (step S181),
and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the
processor 81 performs a predetermined image recognition process
(e.g., a pattern matching process using the shape of the
recognition portion M) on a captured image indicated by the
captured image data Db3, thereby extracting the recognition portion
M captured in the captured image.
[0176] Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not the
recognition portion M is captured in the captured image (step
S182). Then, when the recognition portion M is captured in the
captured image, the processing proceeds to step S183. On the other
hand, when the recognition portion M is not captured in the
captured image, the processing proceeds to step S184.
[0177] In step S183, the processor 81 sets vibration data based on
the image capturing position of the recognition portion M, and the
processing proceeds to step S185. For example, when the largest
captured recognition portion M is captured in a center area of the
captured image, the processor 81 sets vibration data for vibrating
both the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, thereby
updating the vibration data De. Further, when the largest captured
recognition portion M is captured in an area (a left side area) to
the left side of the center area of the captured image, the
processor 81 sets vibration data for vibrating only the left
controller 3, thereby updating the vibration data De. Further, when
the largest captured recognition portion M is captured in an area
(a right side area) to the right side of the center area of the
captured image, the processor 81 sets vibration data for vibrating
only the right controller 4, thereby updating the vibration data
De. It should be noted that a method for generating a vibration
waveform for vibrating each controller is similar to that in the
above step S164, and therefore is not described in detail here.
[0178] It should be noted that in the process of the above step
S183, when a plurality of recognition portions M are captured in
the captured image captured by the infrared image capturing section
123, the largest captured recognition portion M (i.e., the
recognition portion M closest to the viewpoint of the infrared
image capturing section 123) is a processing target (i.e., a
movement target). Alternatively, the processing target may be
selected based on another criterion. For example, when a plurality
of recognition portions M are captured in the captured image
captured by the infrared image capturing section 123, the
recognition portion M captured at the position closest to the
center position of the captured image (i.e., the recognition
portion M furthest in the moving direction) may be a processing
target (i.e., a movement target).
[0179] Further, in the process of the above step S183, when the
size of the recognition portion M captured in the captured image
captured by the infrared image capturing section 123 is equal to or
greater than a predetermined size, the vibrations of both the left
controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be stopped. In this
case, in accordance with the fact that the distance between the
moving device 200 and the recognition portion M comes close to a
distance less than a predetermined distance, the movement of the
moving device 200 can be stopped.
[0180] In step S184, the processor 81 sets vibration data
determined in advance, and the processing proceeds to step S185.
For example, the processor 81 sets vibration data for vibrating
both the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, thereby
updating the vibration data De. It should be noted that a method
for generating a vibration waveform for vibrating each controller
is similar to that in the above step S164, and therefore is not
described in detail here.
[0181] In step S185, the processor 81 sets the self-propelled flag
indicated by the self-propelled mode flag data Df to on, and the
processing of this subroutine ends.
[0182] As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, vibrations
are imparted to the moving device 200, whereby it is possible to
move the moving device 200 on a predetermined surface in real
space. Two independent vibrations to be imparted to the moving
device 200 are controlled, whereby it is possible to vary movements
by vibrations.
[0183] It should be noted that in the above description, a user
interface for performing touch operations on the operation button
images displayed on the display 12 of the main body apparatus 2 is
used as an operation section. Alternatively, an operation section
in another form may be used. For example, the movement of the
moving device 200 may be controlled using various operation
sections such as an operation button capable of being subjected to
a pressing operation, a stick capable of being subjected to a tilt
operation, a mouse capable of being subjected to a pointing
operation, a touch pad capable of being subjected to a touch
operation, and a user action detection system capable of
recognizing a user action (a gesture).
[0184] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the form is used in
which the vibrations of the right controller 4 and/or the left
controller 3 are turned on and off in accordance with whether or
not the left vibration button image IL and/or the right vibration
button image IR (see FIG. 8) are subjected to touch operations.
Alternatively, the amplitudes or the frequencies of the vibrations
may change. As a first example, control may be performed so that in
accordance with whether or not the left vibration button image IL
and/or the right vibration button image IR are subjected to touch
operations, the amplitudes or the frequencies of the vibrations of
the right controller 4 and/or the left controller 3 are changed. As
a second example, control may be performed so that in accordance
with touch positions or drag directions in the left vibration
button image IL and/or the right vibration button image IR when the
left vibration button image IL and/or the right vibration button
image IR are subjected to touch operations, the amplitudes or the
frequencies of the vibrations of the right controller 4 and/or the
left controller 3 are changed. As a third example, control may be
performed so that in accordance with the continuation time in which
touch operations on the left vibration button image IL and/or the
right vibration button image IR continue (the left vibration button
image IL and/or the right vibration button image IR are subjected
to long-press operations), the amplitudes or the frequencies of the
vibrations of the right controller 4 and/or the left controller 3
are changed.
[0185] Further, in the above description, an example has been used
where two independent vibrations are controlled, thereby
controlling the movement of the moving device 200 when the moving
device 200 moves on a predetermined surface in real space.
Alternatively, another type of control may be performed on the
moving device 200 using vibrations. For example, two independent
vibrations may be controlled, thereby controlling the rotation
direction or the rotation speed of the moving device 200 when the
moving device 200 rotates on a predetermined surface in real
space.
[0186] Further, in the above description, an example has been used
where the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached
to the moving object 201 such that the longitudinal direction of
the left controller 3 and the longitudinal direction of the right
controller 4 are parallel to each other, and the left controller 3
and the right controller 4 have the same height. Alternatively, the
left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be attached such
that the longitudinal direction of the left controller 3 and the
longitudinal direction of the right controller 4 are different
directions, or the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may
be attached such that the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 have different heights. The left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 may be attached in appropriate places and/or
appropriate directions in accordance with the shape or the running
performance of the moving object 201.
[0187] Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, the method for
detecting the motions and the orientations of the left controller 3
and the right controller 4 is merely illustrative, and the motions
and the orientations of the left controller 3 and the right
controller 4 may be detected using another method or other data.
For example, the orientations of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4 are calculated based only on angular velocities
generated in each of the left controller 3 and the right controller
4, or calculated by combining angular velocities and accelerations
generated in each of the left controller 3 and the right controller
4. Alternatively, the orientations may be calculated based only on
accelerations generated in each of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4. Even when accelerations generated in each of
the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detected, it
is possible to calculate the direction in which a gravitational
acceleration is generated in each of the left controller 3 and the
right controller 4. It goes without saying that it is possible to
perform processing similar to that described above in the exemplary
embodiment by sequentially calculating the xyz axis directions with
respect to the gravitational acceleration. Further, in the above
exemplary embodiment, the operation button images for controlling
the movement of the moving device 200 are displayed on the display
12 of the main body apparatus 2. Alternatively, the operation
button images may be displayed on the stationary monitor via the
cradle.
[0188] Further, each of the main body apparatus 2, the left
controller 3, and the right controller 4 may be any apparatus, and
may be a mobile game apparatus, any mobile electronic device (a PDA
(Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, a personal computer,
a camera, a tablet, or the like) or the like.
[0189] Further, the above descriptions have been given using an
example where the main body apparatus 2 performs information
processing (game processing) and a communication process.
Alternatively, another apparatus may perform at least some of the
processing steps. For example, if the main body apparatus 2 is
further configured to communicate with another apparatus (e.g.,
another server, another image display device, another game
apparatus, or another mobile terminal), the other apparatus may
cooperate to perform the processing steps. Another apparatus may
thus perform at least some of the processing steps, thereby
enabling processing similar to that described above. Further, the
above information processing (game processing) can be performed by
a processor or the cooperation of a plurality of processors, the
processor or the plurality of processors included in an information
processing system including at least one information processing
apparatus. Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, information
processing can be performed by the processor 81 of the main body
apparatus 2 executing a predetermined program. Alternatively, part
or all of the processing of the flow charts may be performed by a
dedicated circuit included in the main body apparatus 2.
[0190] Here, according to the above variations, it is possible to
achieve the exemplary embodiment also by a system form such as
cloud computing, or a system form such as a distributed wide area
network or a local area network. For example, in a system form such
as a distributed local area network, it is possible to execute the
processing between a stationary information processing apparatus (a
stationary game apparatus) and a mobile information processing
apparatus (a mobile game apparatus) by the cooperation of the
apparatuses. It should be noted that, in these system forms, there
is no particular limitation on which apparatus performs the above
processing. Thus, it goes without saying that it is possible to
achieve the exemplary embodiment by sharing the processing in any
manner.
[0191] Further, the processing orders, the setting values, the
conditions used in the determinations, and the like that are used
in the information processing described above are merely
illustrative. Thus, it goes without saying that the exemplary
embodiment can be achieved also with other orders, other values,
and other conditions.
[0192] Further, the above program may be supplied to the main body
apparatus 2 not only through an external storage medium such as an
external memory, but also through a wired or wireless communication
link. Further, the program may be stored in advance in a
non-volatile storage device included in the apparatus. It should be
noted that examples of an information storage medium having stored
therein the program may include CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disk storage
media similar to these, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical
disks, and magnetic tapes, as well as non-volatile memories.
Alternatively, an information storage medium having stored therein
the program may be a volatile memory for storing the program. It
can be said that such a storage medium is a storage medium readable
by a computer or the like. For example, it is possible to provide
the various functions described above by causing a computer or the
like to load a program from the storage medium and execute it.
[0193] While some exemplary systems, exemplary methods, exemplary
devices, and exemplary apparatuses have been described in detail
above, the above descriptions are merely illustrative in all
respects, and do not limit the scope of the systems, the methods,
the devices, and the apparatuses. It goes without saying that the
systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses can be
improved and modified in various manners without departing the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is understood that the
scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses
should be interpreted only by the scope of the appended claims.
Further, it is understood that the specific descriptions of the
exemplary embodiment enable a person skilled in the art to carry
out an equivalent scope on the basis of the descriptions of the
exemplary embodiment and general technical knowledge. When used in
the specification, the components and the like described in the
singular with the word "a" or "an" preceding them do not exclude
the plurals of the components. Furthermore, it should be understood
that, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in the specification
are used in their common meanings in the field. Thus, unless
otherwise defined, all the jargons and the technical terms used in
the specification have the same meanings as those generally
understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the
exemplary embodiment. If there is a conflict, the specification
(including definitions) takes precedence.
[0194] As described above, the exemplary embodiment can be used as
an apparatus movement system, an apparatus, an apparatus movement
control method, an apparatus movement control program, a cardboard
member, and the like that are capable of improving the variety of
movements using vibrations.
* * * * *